Airlines could be locked out of Moruya as runway extension 'highly unlikely'

This question has been on my mind since I received a press release from Bonza, a new budget airline hoping to start operating next year, calling for regional airports around the country to put their names forward to be a part of the airline's network.

Moruya Airport is the only commercial airport in the Shire, and currently only offers flights to Sydney and Merimbula (and by extension, Melbourne) via Rex. The airport is also home to Skydive Oz, several emergency services aircraft, and is occasionally used by the Australian armed forces.

Bonza, who hope to start operations in the "second quarter of 2022" according to a spokesperson, would operate a fleet of Boeing 737-800, one of the most common medium-range passenger jets in the skies, and one you've probably stepped on if you've ever flown with Qantas or Virgin.

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And therein lies the potential problem: Moruya Airport (as it currently stands) can't accommodate a plane of this size.

The airport is currently undergoing upgrades across the board, but a Eurobodalla Shire Council spokesperson said there were "no plans" to extend Runway 18/36 (the main runway).

In fact, it appears it would be near impossible to extend the runway enough to accommodate a jet like that any time in the future, as the runway would need to be at least 2500 metres long (it is currently just over 1500m long).

"Previous studies and recent regulatory changes indicate this is highly unlikely ever to be possible," a council spokesperson said.

The council spokesperson told the Bay Post they had previously had conversations with other commercial airlines about getting more flights in and out of the Eurobodalla Shire, but also said Rex had "worked well for the community".

"The pre-COVID service from Rex has worked well for the community, providing same day return travel to and from Sydney," they said.

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"Whether another airline wanted to operate from Moruya is ultimately a matter for airline operators, but Council would be inclined to support plans that would sustainably increase services and/or reduce costs."

Council also acknowledged other tenants at the airport would need to be consulted before any future decisions were made.

"Existing stakeholders are vital for the airport," they said.

"The process, if a new airline approached Council, and the level of any future engagement would depend on the circumstances should this arise.

"Council is currently undertaking a review of its master plan to consider all strategic options for the airport. This will involved stakeholder consultation, community engagement and endorsement by the new Council."

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So it looks like Rex will continue to be the only commercial provider in and out of Moruya Airport for the near future, unless QantasLink ever decides to come to the party.

Or maybe this means it's time for more Aussie airlines to invest in smaller planes to cater for our airport infrastructure. We live in a big country, and the lack of accessible air travel outside the major cities certainly could use improvement.