About Karratha Airport
Pilbara mining gateway and Karijini National Park access. Single terminal handling FIFO jets and tourism flights.
Getting There
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to Karratha CBD: $25, 10 minutes. Limited Uber availability.
Hire car essential
4WD recommended for Karijini National Park and Pilbara touring. Most major hire companies at the terminal. Karratha CBD 10 minutes for accommodation.
Mining shuttle services
Heavy FIFO traffic — most workers use mining company shuttles direct to mine sites. Tourists rarely cross paths.
Transfers
Parking
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Karratha Airport.
Runways
1 runway • longest 2,280m • Regional jet capable (e.g. Embraer 170, Bombardier CRJ-200)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/26 | 2,280 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 83° / 263° | Yes |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- major regional
- Runways
- 1
- Longest runway
- 2,280 m
- Max aircraft
- Regional jet capable
- Elevation
- 9 m
- Annual passengers
- 494,003(2022)
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- KTA
- ICAO
- YPKA
Location
- City
- Karratha
- State
- Western Australia
- Timezone
- Perth
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- Cooler months (Apr-Sep) only — summer heat makes outback touring dangerous.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(3)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(2)
Karratha BP Dump Point
Free · 2.9km
Cleaverville Camping Area Dump Point
Free · 26.1km