Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the results from a 12-month trial from October 2017 had demonstrated a strong demand for the service.

“The continuation of this vital service has been driven by community support,” Mr Bailey said.

“More than 400 passengers used the service during the trial so we are pleased to be able to continue it.

“Regular air services to Karumba help business development by allowing easier access to medical, education and other servicesand boosting tourism opportunities.”

The Karumba service will continue to fly the regulated Gulf air route operated by Regional Express Airlines (Rex) under a contract with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Rex previously stopped at Karumba Airport only when the road between the town and Normanton was closed due to flooding.

“Karumba Airport has a quality runway that was significantly upgraded in 2009 and was used as a substitute for Normanton Airport for five weeks in 2016 when work was performed on the Normanton runway,” Mr Bailey said.

“With the inclusion of Karumba on the Gulf service route, all communities will continue to receive the same level of service as they received during the trial.”

The Gulf route operates in both directions between Cairns and Mount Isa, servicing the remote communities of Normanton, Mornington Island, Burketown and Doomadgee.

The schedule of the service will continue as it did during the 12-month trial, with the Tuesday westbound service from Cairns and the Thursday eastbound service from Mount Isa making an additional stop at Karumba. 

Rex will continue to fly a 34-seat Saab 340 B Plus aircraft into Karumba twice a week.

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