Darwin International Airport passengers likely to face delays as tarmac repairs begin

Darwin airport’s management is scrambling to fix a repair timetable as passengers and airlines face delays over the next 18 months.

Passengers and aircraft at Darwin International Airport could face disruptions until early 2024 as works to upgrade the main tarmac gather pace.

Airlines and other stakeholders have been advised the airport will be closed between 2.30am and 10.30am on Tuesday, October 25.

It is unclear how many flights, if any, are disrupted by the repair works but had

the airport been closed during those times on Tuesday, October 11, five flights including scheduled Qantas and Jetstar services would have been impacted.

An airport spokesman confirmed further subsequent closures for repairs were anticipated.

Airport management is scrambling to adjust to the proposed disruption timetable.

In a statement released late on Monday, the airport said disruptions caused by the tarmac upgrades could last for up to 18 months.

A Jetstar aircraft lands at Darwin airport Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Department of Defence and the Territory’s Airport Development Group are jointly funding the works, the scope of which at this stage is a closely guarded secret.

Airport Development Group executive general manager Rob Porter said airport closures due to revised flight schedules would inconvenience airlines, passengers and other stakeholders.

“Darwin International Airport’s main runway will close intermittently over the next 12 to 18 months to enable the completion of Defence’s planned runway works,” Mr Porter said.

“DIA apologises for any inconvenience as these closures will, unfortunately, impact flight schedules.

“DIA has actively consulted with our airline partners, Defence and other stakeholders, with works scheduled at the end of Top End’s peak tourist season to minimise any impact.

“DIA is committed to providing a safe environment for all airport users, with runway works required to maintain Airport operability.”

The works program appears to have escalated in recent weeks.

In August, Mr Porter said “weather conditions” had brought forward the works program.

“Maintenance activities are planned to minimise impact on airline and passenger movement however there may be occasions where flight schedules are impacted, particularly night flights,” he said.

“Further maintenance is also expected to be scheduled during the dry season, to address seasonal damage.”

It is not clear whether the works are connected to a number of planned defence training operations in coming years or the recently completed Exercise Pitch Black.

The NT News has forwarded questions to the Department of Defence including the cost of the works, stakeholder contribution to the works and the scope of works planned.