Australia to construct Antarctica's first paved runway

22 May, 2018

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop confirmed (18-May-2018) the Australian Government intends to construct a paved runway near Davis research station in Antarctica. The new runway will complement Australia's existing summer only ice runway at Wilkins Aerodrome and will provide more reliable access to Antarctica throughout the year. The establishment of a permanent link between Hobart and Antarctica will enhance Hobart's role as a gateway to East Antarctica. Investigations into year round aviation access started in 2016 as a key component of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan. The government provided AUD10 million (USD7.6 million) to scope options and undertake preliminary site investigations, with the cost of the new runway to be determined through a detailed business case. [more - original PR]