What are airports for – passengers or profit?

This month saw one of our members concerned at the lack of facilities on offer at Perth Airport for customers

No free Wi-Fi, No access to lounges before TSA (security) check. Did find a power point for power. Least get 3G.

Since privatisation of most of Australia’s airports, the battle for profit versus passenger facilities has become a fierce one, with infrastructure the loser. Brisbane airport’s new runway will in fact be the first major runway work done at any private airport in Australia since they were handed over. While Canberra has had its real estate developed to the extent that almost makes flying something of an afterthought – it’s retail shopping the new income driver for its owners.

With Perth airport being the centre of a booming mining economy for the last few years you would expect facilities to be on the improve, and indeed there are some on offer in certain areas

Free Wi-Fi in the QF terminal, easily accessed by airside walkway. If in VA, there are complimentary internet kiosks (look for the Europcar sign) upstairs near the A330 gates and I believe also downstairs near baggage claim. 2) As mentioned, most airports have lounges after security check. Hungry Jacks will be opening soonish (not sure exactly when) where firefly used to be in T4 (Qantas). Another fast food option in Red Rooster has been open for quite some time in T3 (VA). Both post-security.

As a passenger your paying $11.76 at the International Terminal and $15.42 at the domestic for use of the facilities in Perth each time you arrive or leave. While Hungry Jacks may not be high on everyone’s wish list when it comes to airport facilities, what do you think is missing from Perth Airport? Is it showers, a snooze zone, return of the outdoor garden (smokers area) or simply more seats?

Share your thoughts HERE.

Staff Writers