Port Hedland International Airport unveils its new terminal to the public

Port Hedland International Airport has unveiled its terminal refurbishment to the public but the building is set to get even better in the future, according to the chief executive. Earlier in September, the North West Telegraph reported on the upgrades to the terminal and how they were aimed at transforming travel to the Pilbara. These included a check-in site that has doubled in size and now contains cloud-based services, an expanded security area to improve screening efficiency, four dedicated departure gates instead of two, upgrades to back-of-house bag security technology, 10 parking bays for 737 planes, a new cafe, and space for additional retail stores. The new terminal has now been officially launched with a private event held on Friday, September 22, with 100 people in attendance. While the upgraded building has improved PHIA services, chief executive Dave Batic said the terminal would still get even better in the future. “We have been talking to Qantas about a Qantas lounge,” he said. “If we are to go ahead with the project there will be a new external building connected to the terminal. “It’s already designed for the next lounge to go in there but it’s still in negotiation — it is a separate arrangement because we didn’t want this terminal to be slowed down by it. “If we do build it it will be an additional 300sqm which will make this place even bigger.” Mr Batic said the airport had customer feedback terminals to gauge what travellers wanted to see in the facility. Earlier this month the North West Telegraph reported how flights between Port Hedland and Brisbane had been re-established and were starting again in November.