Perth Airport (PER)
History, Facts and Overview

(Perth, Western Australia - WA, Australia)

Before the arrival of Perth Airport, the city's main airstrip was situated in the north-easterly suburb of Maylands, next to the Swan River. A number of aircraft also used Langely Park as a convenient airfield, in the heart of Perth's Central Business District. However, it soon became clear that Perth required a substantial aerodrome and in 1942, Guildford Aerodrome was built on the disused Dunreath golf course and this was used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Renamed Perth Airport in 1952, significant updates over the years include the arrival of a new international terminal and sleek control tower in 1986, at the cost of more than AU$50 million


Now leased by Westralia Airports Corporation (WAC), Perth Airport was further enhanced in 2004, when the new Taxiway Sierra was opened, which was able to accommodate the next generation of double-decker Airbus passenger planes.

Tax-free shopping is provided at Perth Airport and can be found within the International Terminal, where everything from surf wear to diamonds can be purchased. Most shops open at least two hours before all international departures and many of the onsite cafes offer extended opening hours when necessary. Other notable facilities in Perth Airport include an outdoor playground for children next to Terminal 1, parenting rooms for families, and observation areas in each of the four terminals, where approaching and departing aircraft can be viewed.