Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport, which is located 600 kilometers east of Perth, is experiencing a surge in passenger traffic due to the booming fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining operations in the region. With an expected 550,000 passenger movements in the current financial year, the airport is set to surpass 500,000 for the first time. This marks a significant increase from a decade ago when passenger numbers were significantly lower. The growth in FIFO activities is attributed to rising metal prices, which are boosting mining productivity around the area.

In response to the increase in demand, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is set to discuss plans for the expansion of the airport. Previous estimates have indicated that the redevelopment might cost between $75 million and $100 million. The expansion aims to accommodate the growing number of FIFO workers traveling to and from the mining regions, thereby enhancing connectivity and potentially stimulating further economic growth in the area.

The proposed airport redevelopment reflects not only local economic trends but also the broader dynamics of Australia's mining industry, which has been performing strongly. If approved, the expansion could provide a significant boost to local employment and infrastructure, reinforcing Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s position as a key hub in Western Australia's mining landscape.