Wellcamp airport is now classified as a regional international gateway under Australia’s international air services arrangements.

Wellcamp airport is now classified as a regional international gateway under Australia’s international air services arrangements.

BREAKING: A change in classification means Wellcamp airport is now classed as a regional international gateway under Australia's international air services arrangements.

The decision will allow international airlines to operate with unrestricted frequency.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester made the announcement today.

"This announcement delivers on the Coalition's 2016 election commitment to support the airport in attracting increased international services as part of the regional package," Mr Chester said.

"International airlines will be able to service the airport without any restrictions applying to the number of frequencies that can be operated between the airport and overseas destinations.

"I have formally advised my Queensland counterpart of this decision as we continue to work toward a stronger national economy.

"Cathay Pacific announced that later this month it will commence regular international freight services from Toowoomba to Hong Kong, which is a good first step."



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Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh said the decision would allow producers, manufacturers and other businesses in Queensland to reap the rewards of a localised freight service, and more easily sell fresh produce in the growing Asian market.

"Local businesses could benefit from greater opportunities in tourism, trade, and other services, which would pay significant dividends for the region's residents.

"The Australian Government is committed to delivering economic prosperity for all Australians and this announcement is a great outcome for the region's community," Mr McVeigh said.

Wagners chairman and airport developer John Wagner said the announcement provided valuable certainty for airlines and the airport in building international services for the region.

"We would like to thank the Federal Government and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport for their continued support in realising the potential opportunities that the airport creates for Queensland," Mr Wagner said.

He said the airport was now truly international.

Cathay Pacific will start its weekly freighter service from the airport later this month and the airport's next goal will be attracting passenger aircraft from Asia.

Wellcamp airport general manager Phil Gregory said the new classification would take away red tape.

Previously airlines that wanted to visit Wellcamp airport needed to apply for a special approval.

Mr Gregory said airlines would no longer need to apply for permission, removing a lot of "bureaucracy" from the process.

Mr Wagner said the change would give airliners the confidence to begin negotiations with the airport.

"They now know we have serious government support for what we're doing there," he said.