Portland Airport is a major gateway and transport link in south west Victoria connecting both the domestic business and leisure travel markets to some of Australia’s major capital cities.
The award winning airport is one of five CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) certified airports in Victoria, and the only certified in the south west region, with the capacity to support passenger aircraft 30 seats and greater.
The airport was developed in 1982 to provide for growing business demand borne from the development of Alcoa, one of Australia’s most successful smelting options. During the past three decades trade has grown to support the thriving business community with major customers including the Port of Portland, renewables, manufacturing, mining and forestry sectors in addition to thriving agricultural markets.
Portland Airport is a major gateway to some of Australia’s greatest tourist attractions including the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park and Coonawarra wine region and Limestone Coast.
During its peak trade the airport supported four daily flights to Melbourne carrying more than 20,000 passengers per year. Week day connections to Adelaide have also been available.
The airport provides a broad range of other services including charter flights, freight, Royal Flying Doctor Services and other commercial business aircraft. It is also an imperative base for emergency service operators and used for Aviation Defence training exercises.
Charter operators are a substantial user of the airfield with regular national business and organisations using the facility in addition to pleasure users.