‘It’s a vigorous risk assessment’: Darwin airport not ready yet to take over processing repatriation flights

The boss of Darwin airport says they aren’t ready yet to take over processing repatriation flights, as preparations to build a new “safe compartment” in the terminal get underway.

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THE boss of Darwin airport says they aren’t ready yet to take over processing repatriation flights, as preparations to build a new “safe compartment” in the terminal get underway.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner flagged earlier this week that the NT government was looking to have repatriation arrivals processed at Darwin Airport rather than RAAF base.

He said while the government was still waiting for a firm agreement to be made between the Darwin airport and federal government, he expected the change to be in place by the wet season.

Flights carrying repatriated Aussies are currently being processed through RAAF Base Darwin before they are taken to Howard Springs quarantine. Picture: ADF

Darwin airport’s executive general manager Robert Porter said they had been approached to assist with repatriation flights but it would take some considerable time to get the terminal ready.

“The current facility at the RAAF base is adequate to process the individuals, we’re not quite ready yet,” he said.

“We’re got a few steps to ensure we’ve got a level of protection here at our facility in order to manage the repatriation process.

“It’s a vigorous risk assessment that we’re working through.

Darwin airport has been approached to take over the processing of repatriation flights to the NT. Picture: Che Chorley

“We’re identifying all the particular hazards that may occur and we’re trying to mitigate those through physical changes within the terminal.

“Those physical controls will be building walls, changing airconditioning (which) are going to be real important to ensure we mitigate the risk as low as we possibly can.

“We’re creating a safe compartment within the terminal where the air is treated in a such a way that it reduces the risk as low as we possibly can.”

“It’s a complex project in order to get this right and we want to get this right.”

Darwin airport's executive general manager Robert Porter. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has expressed serious concerns about the planned changes.

“The last thing the Gunner Government should be doing is experimenting and altering processes in the middle of this health emergency,” she said.

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