Queensland MP Andrews says passengers at risk at Gold Coast Airport

The federal government has been urged to address safety concerns at Gold Coast Airport after recent storms forced dozens of aborted landings and put thousands of passengers at risk.

Queensland Liberal MP Karen Andrews on Wednesday called on the federal government to fast track the implementation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Gold Coast Airport, the sixth busiest airport in Australia and the gateway to a major tourism destination.

An ILS guides pilots to the runway when visibility is low and is commonplace in airports across the world including in regional Australian airports such as Townsville, Cairns and Launceston.

Ms Andrews told parliament that during recent wet weather on the Gold Coast many aircraft were forced to "go-around", or make an aborted landing of the aircraft on its final approach, because there was no ILS in place.

"There is obviously a safety concern here, as well as a risk to aircraft," she said.

"And the financial burden on operators of aborted landings, go-arounds, holding patterns and diversions to other airports such as Brisbane."

Ms Andrews said there was some planning underway to install an ISL at Gold Coast Airport but it must be fast tracked.

"Our flight and passenger movements are increasing and continue to increase," she said.

"We deserve proper recognition from the government and we need first class, world class facilities delivered to us and delivered to us now on the Gold Coast.

"I call on the government to fast track this project as a priority."

Source:  http://www.tradingroom.com.au