21 January 2026: Andamooka celebrated a landmark moment with the official launch of Andamooka Airport, led by Joe Szakacs, Minister for Trade and Investment; Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; Minister for Local Government; and Minister for Veterans Affairs, alongside Geoff Brock, Independent State Member for Stuart.
The launch was attended by Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Directors Glen Wingfield and Michael Turner, and Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT CEO Tony Vaughan, acknowledging the airport’s vital role in regional healthcare, emergency response, and community resilience.
The launch was attended by Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Directors Glen Wingfield and Michael Turner, Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT CEO Tony Vaughan, and Ms Jan Ferguson, Presiding Member of the Outback Communities Authority (OCA), acknowledging the airport’s vital role in regional healthcare, emergency response, and community resilience.
The airport is operated and maintained by the Andamooka Opal Fields Tourism Association (AOFTA) and is published on ERSA with:
Runway: 06/24
CTAF: 126.6
Runway length: 1,210 metres (unsealed) with 100-metre clearways
Permanent solar-powered night lighting (sunset–sunrise), enabling safe 24-hour access
Remote weather station and live camera system, accessible by RFDS for real-time monitoring
Locally trained AOFTA volunteers, including certified AROC radio operators and an Aerodrome Reporting Officer supporting inspections, communications, and ground operations
Capability for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, supporting RFDS, SAPOL, and future charter operations directly at Andamooka—without reliance on Olympic Dam Airport
Over 4 kilometres of perimeter fencing improves safety, wildlife control, and security
On-ground facilities, including toilets, water, AED, First Aid Kits, and H3R aviation fire extinguishers
Following the launch, the Minister and delegation visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service Andamooka Clinic, before touring the Andamooka Andamooka Opal Showroom Underground Opal & Mineral Museum. There, AOFTA Chair Leila Day provided a briefing on the opal industry, the upcoming 2027 Australian Opal Symposium, and Opal Evolution, highlighting Andamooka’s growing role on the national and international opal stage.
The visit concluded with a hands-on experience on the opal fields, where the Minister was taken opal mining with Peter Taubers, offering a first-hand insight into the unique heritage and working life of the Andamooka Opal Fields.
Together, the launch and site visits underscored the strength of collaboration between community, Traditional Owners, emergency services, and government securing Andamooka’s future in regional aviation, healthcare access, and opal-led tourism.
