Camera IconWA made up seven of the country’s 10 worst-rated passenger airports. Credit: Adobe

Western Australia has emerged as the state with the worst-rated airports in Australia, with travellers complaining about slow security checks, limited facilities and frustrating baggage delays.

The state made up seven of the country’s 10 worst-rated passenger airports, according to an analysis of almost 100,000 Google reviews.

Newman Airport in the Pilbara took the prize for Australia’s worst airport, averaging just 3.10 stars from 295 reviews, with more than one in four reviews giving it just a single lonely star.

One reviewer, who frequented Newman Airport this year, wrote: “Terrible service. Slow moving security. Small bar,” with another complaining about the handling of oversized luggage, stating: “Supposed to collect from oversized luggage pick up area but no one delivered there.”

Camera IconNewman Airport was rated the worst airport in Australia. Credit: RegionalHUB
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The Shire of East Pilbara said it was aware of the upgrades needed at Newman Airport but argued more support was needed from the State Government.

Shire President Anthony Middleton told PerthNow: “Passengers are telling us there is insufficient space, not enough seating and too much congestion at busy times. We understand that frustration.

“Council has committed substantial funding, but we cannot deliver this redevelopment alone.

“We are asking governments and the mining companies that rely on Newman Airport to help deliver the facilities our residents, visitors and workers need.”

Camera IconPerth Airport was the only capital city to rank in the worst ten list. Credit: Geoffrey Thomas/ The West Australian/TheWest

WA’s main aviation hub – Perth Airport – ranked eighth with 3.59 stars, and took home the prize for being the lowest-rated capital city airport in Australia, with crowded toilets, confusing corridors and staffing levels among the complaints.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport and Broome International Airport followed, coming in at number nine and ten, respectively.

Among Australia’s ten best-rated airports, WA did not even rank once.

SA’s Port Lincoln Airport was named the country’s highest-rated, averaging 4.62 stars from 131 reviews, closely followed by Mount Gambier Airport, also in South Australia, with 4.61 stars.

New South Wales was crowned the best state in Australia for aviation travel, with four NSW airports being ranked within the top ten.

Positive reviews of the highest-rated airports frequently praised cleanliness, friendly staff and the convenience of regional travel.

The analysis conducted by SEO Backlinks, examined Google Maps listings for 53 Australian passenger airports with at least 100 reviews, covering a total of 99,664 reviews.

See the full list of the top ten best and worst ranked airport below:

WORST

  1. Newman Airport (WA) 3.10 stars
  2. Paraburdoo Airport (WA) 3.23 stars
  3. Port Hedland International Airport (WA) 3.37 stars
  4. Learmonth Airport (WA) 3.38 stars
  5. Moranbah Airport (QLD) 3.45 stars
  6. Sunshine Coast Airport (QLD) 3.52 stars
  7. Mackay Airport (QLD) 3.58 stars
  8. Perth Airport (WA) 3.59 stars
  9. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport (WA) 3.60 stars
  10. Broome International Airport (WA) 3.65 stars

BEST

  1. Port Lincoln Airport (SA) 4.62 stars
  2. Mount Gambier Airport (SA) 4.61 stars
  3. Armidale Regional Airport (NSW) 4.45 stars
  4. Bendigo Airport (VIC) 4.42 stars
  5. Albury Airport (NSW) 4.41 stars
  6. Devonport Airport (TAS) 4.37 stars
  7. Dubbo Regional Airport (NSW) 4.35 stars
  8. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (QLD) 4.26 stars
  9. Bundaberg Regional Airport (QLD) 4.25 stars
  10. Orange Regional Airport (NSW) 4.22 stars

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