Griffith Airport terminal open for business

GRIFFITH’S new airport terminal officially opened today, creating a vibrant new gateway for the growing city and the Riverina district.



Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, joined the community to celebrate the upgraded facilities. 

Mr Truss said the $2.5 million upgrade had doubled the size of the airport terminal. 

"The new arrival and departure lounge will host between 80,000 and 100,000 passengers per year, with locals, business and medical travellers taking advantage of the upgraded facilities," Mr Truss said. 

"We have also extended the main apron to provide additional parking space for aircraft. This will enable Griffith to negotiate with carriers to provide more services, including to additional regional centres and cities." 
Mr McCormack said the upgrade extended to all the facilities of the airport, including an improved car park and undercover drop-off area. 

"One of the most exciting elements of the upgrade is an undercover arrivals baggage area, which will mean dry bags and dry passengers every trip," Mr McCormack said. 

"It is also good to see it has incorporated an element of sustainable design, with a 10 kilowatt solar system and 20,000 litres of water tanks installed during the upgrade." 

The Australian Government is providing nearly $2 million for the upgrade, and Griffith City Council is providing the remaining $500,000.

Cristy Houghton