Overview
Paraburdoo Airport is situated approximately 1,500 kilometres north of Perth in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is owned by Rio Tinto. The airport services the Paraburdoo Iron Ore operations and surrounding mining region and has been managed by Aerodrome Management Services (AMS) since 2018.
Paraburdoo Airport (YPBO) operates as a key regional charter aerodrome within the Pilbara and maintains regular FIFO services linking the region with Perth and other Western Australian destinations. AMS maintains a permanent on-site presence with Aerodrome Managers and Aerodrome Reporting Officers supporting the day-to-day operation of the aerodrome.
Originally established in the 1970s to support the development of the Paraburdoo mining operations, the airport has undergone a number of upgrades over the years to support larger and more modern aircraft operations. Today, the airport regularly accommodates Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft, Fokker 100 operations, Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft and a variety of general aviation and helicopter movements.
As part of recent airfield infrastructure upgrades, AMS also completed the installation of a new S4GA solar runway lighting system, further enhancing the airport’s operational capability, and supporting safer aircraft operations, including after-hours and emergency movements.
Paraburdoo Airport plays an important role in supporting regional connectivity, emergency medical services, and mining-related air transport operations throughout the Pilbara. The aerodrome also supports after-hours emergency operations and maintains modern runway lighting and airside infrastructure to facilitate safe and efficient aircraft movements in challenging regional conditions.
