โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Broome International Airport (BME) is the principal aviation gateway to the Kimberley region of Western Australia, one of the world's last great wilderness frontiers. Uniquely located just 1.6 kilometers from the heart of Broomeโs historic town center, the airport serves as a vital hub for tourists, business travelers, and the regional pearling industry. It handles a significant volume of domestic traffic from Perth, Darwin, and major eastern state cities, while also facilitating occasional international charter services.
The airportโs terminal architecture is distinctly tropical, featuring open-air elements and a breezy, relaxed atmosphere that reflects the character of the Kimberley. This single, compact terminal building is designed for ease of use, with departure and arrival zones that are intuitive to navigate even during the peak dry-season travel periods. Its central location is a major convenience for travelers, who can often reach their accommodation or the famous Cable Beach within minutes of exiting the terminal.
Passengers at BME have access to a variety of high-quality facilities, including the Qantas Regional Lounge for eligible travelers and a specialized Cruise Lounge dedicated to the region's active expedition cruise market. Dining options include Nakamura's Bar and Cafe, which serves a range of local snacks and beverages, while the Pandanas Gift Shop offers a curated selection of Kimberley souvenirs, local indigenous art, and world-renowned Broome pearls. The terminal is also equipped with modern essentials such as baggage storage lockers, shower facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Ground transportation is well-supported by a range of options, from on-site international car rental agencies to reliable taxi and resort shuttle services. Due to its proximity to the town, some travelers even choose to walk to nearby accommodations, though the region's intense heat usually makes vehicle transport preferable. Ample short-term and long-term parking is available directly adjacent to the terminal entrance, providing easy access for local residents and long-stay visitors exploring the vast Kimberley outback by air.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Broome International Airport (BME) is a unique experience that blends tropical relaxation with high-efficiency regional transit. As the primary gateway to the Kimberley wilderness, the airport is exceptionally well-located, just 1. 6km from the historic town center of Broome. For travelers with a domestic-to-domestic connection, the process is streamlined within a single terminal, with an average transfer time of about 40 minutes. However, during the peak 'dry season' (April to October) and the intense 'wet season' heat, it is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes early to stay hydrated and navigate the crowds of expedition cruise passengers. A major highlight for frequent flyers is the newly expanded Qantas Regional Lounge, which opened in late 2024.
This facility has doubled in capacity and features modern working pods, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a self-service refreshment bar. If the lounge is unstaffed, check your boarding pass for the entry code. For travelers embarking on Kimberley cruise adventures, the airport offers a specialized Cruise Lounge, and dedicated transfer services like Broome Transit provide seamless links directly to the Port Wharf. If your connection involves a longer wait, the Kimberley Cafe & Bar airside offers a range of local snacks and beverages in a breezy, open-air-inspired environment.
Ground transportation is highly convenient; a taxi to the Chinatown district takes only five minutes and costs approximately $15-$20. While the Broome Explorer Bus does not enter the airport grounds, it is accessible via a short 10-minute walk to Guy Street. For those requiring storage, luggage lockers are available in the short-term car park for up to seven days. Always monitor your flight status via your airline's app, as regional weather can occasionally impact schedules, especially during the tropical summer months when intense thunderstorms are common.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
The terminal at Arrabury Airport (AAB) is a misnomer in the traditional sense, as the facility is essentially a private unsealed airstrip serving the Arrabury Station and the remote Tanbar region. There is no formal terminal building, but rather a basic staging area that may include a small shed or shelter primarily used for storing essential supplies or providing temporary respite from the intense Queensland sun. Ground operations are handled on an as-needed basis by station staff, and the apron area is simply a cleared patch of ground adjacent to the runway.
Because the airport serves private and charter aviation almost exclusively, there are no passenger facilities such as check-in desks, security checkpoints, or baggage carousels. Travelers arriving here are typically visitors to the cattle station, government officials, or emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The check-in process usually involves direct communication with the pilot or station management. The environment is one of extreme isolation, with the nearest significant infrastructure being hundreds of kilometers away.
The lack of amenities is total; there is no running water, electricity, or telecommunications infrastructure dedicated to passenger use at the airstrip itself. Any needs must be met at the Arrabury Station homestead or through the supplies brought by the aircraft. The transition from aircraft to ground transport, usually a 4WD vehicle from the station, is immediate and takes place directly on the dirt apron. It is a functional facility designed for utility in one of Australia's most rugged and sparsely populated landscapes.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Arrabury Airport requires exceptional pre-planning as this remote cattle station airstrip in Queensland's Channel Country operates without any scheduled commercial services. All flights must be arranged as private charters or station-coordinated aircraft, typically originating from regional centers like Charleville, Mount Isa, or Longreach. The 7,600 square kilometer Arrabury Station, located approximately 186 kilometers southeast of Birdsville and 106 kilometers north of Innamincka, represents one of Australia's most isolated pastoral properties, making aviation the only practical means of access for much of the year.
Runway conditions at this unsealed airstrip are critically dependent on weather patterns unique to the Channel Country, where rare but intense rainfall events can transform the normally dry landscape into impassable flood plains. Pilots must obtain current runway condition reports directly from station management before attempting any landing or departure, as the dirt surface becomes completely unusable when wet, potentially stranding aircraft and passengers for days or even weeks. During the wet season, which typically occurs between December and March, the Cooper Creek system can flood extensively, cutting all ground access routes and making the airstrip the sole lifeline for emergency evacuations.
Coordination between arriving and departing aircraft requires direct communication with Arrabury Station management, as there are no air traffic control services, ground handling equipment, or refueling facilities available at the airstrip. Charter operators familiar with Channel Country operations typically carry sufficient fuel for return journeys and advise passengers to bring all necessary supplies, including water, food, and emergency equipment. The Royal Flying Doctor Service maintains this location as a potential emergency landing site, and travelers should be aware that medical evacuations take priority over all other aircraft movements, potentially affecting connection schedules without notice.
โ Back to Broome International Airport