Lockhart River Airport

Lockhart River Airport is an airport in Lockhart River, Queensland, Australia, located approximately north of Cairns on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula. Being so remote with the road to Lockhart River being unpassable during the tropical wet season, the airport provides a vital transport hub for the community as well as being the only means of freighting in critical medical and other supplies during the summer months.

History

The airport was constructed during World War II, and was used as a bomber and communications base for many years. Known World War II United States Army Air Forces Fifth Air Force units assigned to Iron Range Airport were:

In addition, the 479th Service Squadron provided supplies for the B-26 and B-17s assigned to the airport, as well as operating a repair and maintenance depot for B-24 Liberator aircraft.

Accidents and incidents

On 7 May 2005 a Fairchild Metroliner aircraft crashed north-west of Lockhart River Airport, killing all 15 people on board. The aircraft had flown from Bamaga and was preparing to land at the airport.