March 2020. As a result of the route confirmation, the Western Australian government announced it would spend an extra $3.2 million upgrading the airport's terminal. The route was postponed eight times due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Flights began as part of a three-year trial of the route on 6 April 2022, after the reopening of the Western Australian border (see COVID-19 pandemic in Western Australia). The terminal upgrade was also postponed until after the three-year trial period. In April 2019, the airport was designated as an international alternate airport to Perth; previously the closest airports with this designation were Learmonth and Adelaide. In 2023 there were renewed calls to upgrade the terminal before the conclusion of the three-year trial period after the success of the new route and increases in mining flights, with annual passenger numbers jumping from 25,000 before the pandemic to 95,000 by 2023. Airlines and destinations Facilities Busselton Margaret River Airport has a single 2,460 metre long by 45 metre wide runway (03/21) and is rated at Code E with capability to handle aircraft the size and weight of the Airbus A330. Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) is available for both ends and low-intensity runway lights can be activated by radio (Pilot Controlled Lighting). Two illuminated windsocks are on site. Non-precision instrument approaches include GNSS (GPS) approaches to both runways, and a sole NDB (ADF) approach to runway 21. See also List of airports in Western Australia Aviation transport in Australia References External links Airservices Aerodromes & Procedure Charts Airports in Western Australia Busselton Airports established in 1997 1997 establishments in Australia