🇦🇺 Bathurst Island Airport

Bathurst Island Airport (IATA: BRT, ICAO: YBTI) is a public airport located in Wurrumiyanga, on the southeast coast of Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is operated by the Tiwi Island Regional Council.

Notable Features and History:

• The airport has a single asphalt runway, 15/33, which is 1,470 meters (4,823 feet) long and 30 meters (98 feet) wide,.
• The Royal Australian Air Force utilized an airfield on Bathurst Island during World War II; the current airstrip is located 2 kilometers west of the original site, which is now a public cemetery.
• In 2011, a Cessna 310R aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 33, approximately 1 km from the upwind end of the runway, resulting in a fatality.
• The runway underwent a significant $9 million resurfacing project, transforming it from a poor condition to one of the best in Australia. This project supported over 85 jobs in the community.

Current Status:

• The airport serves Bathurst Island and is 80 km (50 mi) from Darwin International Airport.
• It is unsuitable for larger commercial jets but accommodates regular smaller commercial tours.
• Fly Tiwi operates flights to Darwin from Bathurst Island Airport.
• Aerodrome lighting is portable and available by prior arrangement, activated automatically for emergency use.
• Landing fees apply based on aircraft weight, with exemptions for Australian Army, Department of Defence, NT Police, balloons, and gliders.
• There is a possibility of animals on the aerodrome, particularly at dawn and dusk.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, airservicesaustralia.com, developtiwi.com.au, atsb.gov.au*