News

The runway at the Gold Coast airport in Australia has been extended and it is hoped that this will increase long-haul tourism.

Deputy prime minister Mark Vaile opened the improved runway and taxi way following a AU$ 25m (£10m) upgrade, reports the Australian Associated Press.

He said that it would help the Gold Coast immeasurably by allowing for direct flights from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US.

'This will generate new opportunities for this airport to be able to accommodate significantly increased international movements in and out of the Gold Coast,' said Mr Vaile.

'Our largest single export is tourism. If there is one part of Australia that is universally known across the world, it's the Gold Coast.

'This is helping create a key global gateway for tourism, business travel and the shipment of freight to the Pacific Rim,' he added.

Gold Coast airport was originally an emergency landing strip but has since evolved on a large scale.

Further redevelopment work on the airport's terminal is due to take place in 2008.

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