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 Panadanas 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 transportโusually a 4WD vehicle from the stationโis 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 is an exercise in meticulous logistical planning rather than a simple airport transfer. Since there are no scheduled commercial services, all connections must be pre-arranged as private charters or coordinated station flights. If your itinerary involves flying into Arrabury and then continuing elsewhere, you must ensure your pilot has up-to-date information on runway conditions, which can change rapidly following the rare but intense rain events characteristic of the Channel Country. The unsealed surface can become unusable when wet, potentially stranding travelers for days.\n\nFuel availability is another critical consideration for any connection at AAB. While the station may maintain some stocks of aviation fuel for its own use, transient aircraft should never assume they can refuel here without prior agreement. Pilots must carefully calculate their fuel reserves, often planning for round trips from larger regional centers like Birdsville, Quilpie, or Windorah. If a mechanical issue occurs, there are no on-site maintenance services; parts and specialized labor would need to be flown in from a major hub, causing significant delays.\n\nFor those using Arrabury as a gateway to the broader Channel Country, ground transport is the only way to connect to other locations. There are no rental cars or public transport options; all movements are via private station vehicles or pre-arranged 4WD expeditions. The vast distances and challenging road conditions mean that a 200km journey to the nearest town can take several hours. It is essential to carry satellite communication devices and ample emergency supplies, as mobile phone coverage is non-existent throughout much of the region.
โ Back to Broome International Airport