New Broome International Airport chief executive Andrew Lane to bring renewed focus on tourism

Broome International Airport’s new chief executive Andrew Lane will focus on bringing more tourists into Broome and the Kimberley in 2026. Mr Lane brings almost three decades of experience across the tourism, transport, major events and economic development sectors to the role having held senior positions with the City of Perth, Tourism Australia and Tourism WA/Perth Convention Bureau. He brings extensive experience in the tourism sector having previously worked as a Commissioner of Tourism WA, board member of Tourism Council WA and as the deputy chair of the Rottnest Island Chamber of Commerce and has been recognised through multiple State and national tourism awards, including the Sir David Brand Award. Speaking to the Broome Advertiser, Mr Lane said he would be working closely with airlines and the State and Federal government to attract more tourism through the wet season. “I’m very keen to see the shoulder season push out a bit for Broome and I’m going to be working closely with our airline partners to try and do that. I think that that’s one of the key priorities for the region,” he said. “If we can push out those shoulder seasons we will get more investment into Broome. “It’s about focusing on those airline relationships and partnerships and making sure that we’re leveraging those to the best effect possible.” When asked about the airport’s aim of gaining level 3+ carbon neutrality rating this year Mr Lane said he expects an announcement “imminently”. “We’re working really hard to do that. We take that very seriously,” he said. “There will certainly be an announcement on that this quarter.” Another focus for the year ahead will be investing in the airport’s departure lounge. “We’ve invested significantly already in the both the check in area and the arrivals area. The next piece is the departures lounge,” Mr Lane said. “We’ve had Qantas invest in their new lounge facilities there and the airport has invested in our own lounge, which is primarily for the cruise ships which is also a very important part of the puzzle for Broome and the Kimberley as well. “We’re looking at how we can best utilise the departure area and we’ll certainly be making some significant investments into that area in 2026. “I’m looking currently at the bar and cafe area, making sure that we’re utilising that area for the best way possible.” “We are looking at things like partial air conditioning and covering in the alfresco area so it’s more weather protected but we still want to maintain that outdoor alfresco feel — that relaxed atmosphere that Broome airport is synonymous with — but at the same time we want to make sure that our customers are comfortable.” Mr Lane also hopes to work with industry partners to get international routes back on the airport’s books. “It’s certainly a priority of the Broome International Airport to review and hopefully re-engage an international carrier,” he said. “The key for that, in my opinion, is that it has to be a successful campaign. The last thing we need is another situation where international service starts and stops again.” He said a European flight path would have more viability than the previous Singapore flight route which was canned less than a year after it was introduced last year. “My strong view is that it will work best if we have a strong European connectivity, and specifically to German speaking Europe, because they’re the people who really want to come to the Kimberley region,” Mr Lane said. “The Singapore flight route relied heavily on the Southeast Asian market from an inbound perspective and while there is demand from Southeast Asia into the Kimberley, it’s not the primary demand. “My view would be that for it to work, it has to have that connectivity in through Europe. “If we have direct flights in addition to flights connecting with Southeast Asia so people can come, for example, from Munich straight to Singapore and into the Kimberley, I think that’s the best possible outcome.”