Published on Friday, 16 October 2026 at 1:35:05 PM
The Shire of East Pilbara says passenger feedback about Newman Airport reinforces the case it has been making to governments and the mining industry for an urgent terminal upgrade.
To improve the passenger experience, Council has progressed the airport redevelopment masterplan, finalised concept drawings for the proposed $106 million terminal redevelopment and committed $25 million from airport reserves towards the project. The Shire has also funded the first two stages of the taxiway and apron redevelopment.
The Shire is actively seeking support from the State Government, Commonwealth Government and mining industry to secure the remaining funding needed to deliver the terminal upgrade.
An analysis by SEO specialists at seobacklinks.com ranked Newman lowest among 53 Australian passenger airports with at least 100 Google reviews. Newman recorded an average of 3.10 stars from 295 reviews.
“Passengers are telling us there is insufficient space, not enough seating and too much congestion at busy times. We understand that frustration,” Shire President Anthony Middleton said.
Newman’s existing terminal covers approximately 1,400 square metres. The proposed 6,200-square-metre terminal would bring Newman closer in scale to Port Hedland’s 5,200-square-metre terminal and Karratha’s 7,845-square-metre terminal.
In the meantime, the Shire is improving the existing facilities to help improve customer experience. Over the past six weeks, works have included internal painting, deep cleaning of the terminal — including the toilets, bar area and floors — flooring repairs, pressure cleaning of seats, and repairs to baggage and security equipment.
Further work is continuing, particularly in the toilets.
Mr Middleton and Chief Executive Officer Steven Harding are currently in Canberra meeting federal parliamentarians and the Australian Airports Association to seek support for the terminal upgrade and other Shire infrastructure priorities.
“Council has committed substantial funding, but we cannot deliver this redevelopment alone. We are asking governments and the mining companies that rely on Newman Airport to help deliver the facilities our residents, visitors and workers need,” Mr Middleton said.
The airport also continues to record strong flight punctuality results. In August 2026, Newman ranked second for on-time arrivals and fourth for on-time departures among airports covered by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics’ reporting of participating airlines and reported routes.
“Getting passengers to their destination on time matters, and so does their experience inside the terminal,” Mr Middleton said.
“Securing the remaining investment to deliver this upgrade is a priority for the Shire.”
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