The Mega Scheme Dilemma: Australia’s plan to build an airport in Antarctica

The Australian government is seeking interest in building a 2,700-foot pavement near the Australias Davis research station in East Antarctica. The runway would support year-round air entry between Hobart and Antarctica. However, the costly and ambitious plan to build the first paved runway in Antarctica is taking a critical turning point.

Currently, air access to Antarctica is limited

Australia claims about eight million square kilometers (or about 42%) of Antarctica and a 200-mile maritime area. Australia’s main travel destination in the south is Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. During some Antarctic summers, planes can enter a three-and-a-half-mile glacier runway at Australia Wilkins Airport, 70 miles from Casey Station. There is also a smaller ski run for two miles able to handle the Twin Otter and Basler planes near Davis Station.

During the summer, the Wilkins Airport runway sees Airbus A319 aircraft operated by Skytraders and the bizarre Royal Australian Air Force C-17A. But these tracks are only functional at the beginning and end of the summer months. Australia wants reliable year-round access to Antarctica to facilitate better research and be able to respond to emergencies.

“Building an asphalt track at Davis Research Station would represent a significant skill boost that would revolutionize our scientific activities and increase Australia’s leadership and long-term interests in the region.” say Australian Antarctic Division Website.

A multi-billion dollar project that will take over a decade to build

Right now, the Australian Government is formally seeking expressions of interest to help build the multi-billion dollar runway. The track will take decades to build. The proposed construction will include a 2,700-meter paved runway capable of handling a Boeing 787 Dreamliners or an Airbus A330. There will also be relevant infrastructure including a motorway, aircraft platform, runway lighting and accompanying buildings to accommodate services, such as air traffic and rescue and fire services. A new pier and access road to Davis Station are put into agreement.

What is the motivation behind the runway in Antarctica?

Surprisingly, not everyone is enthusiastic about the plan. The University of Tasmania is one of the leading research institutions in the world in Antarctica. In one paper published in mid-2020, researchers Shaun Brooks and Dr Julia Jabour argued that Australia’s motivation for building the paved runway was largely geo-political.

“The impact in Antarctica has traditionally corresponded to the strength of a nations science program, its presence in infrastructure and its commitment to international decision-making.

“Australia is a well-regarded member of the Antarctic Treaty. It was an original signatory.

“It also has a solid physical and scientific presence, holding three major research stations throughout the year. But other nations are also vying for influence. “China is building its fifth research station.”

Significant environmental concerns

In addition to cost, runway opponents point to the environmental damage that construction will cause. The Australian Government and its subsidiary, the Australian Antarctic Division, proposed the location because it is an ice-free coastal area with favorable geotechnical characteristics. The proposed track is about five miles from the Davis research station, the climate is relatively mild and good, and the weather is reasonably predictable.

University of Tasmania researchers say the Wilsons water storm, Adlie penguins and Weddell seals multiply near the proposed runway.

“The construction will require more than three million cubic meters of earthworks – leveling 60 meters vertically of hills and valleys along the length of the runway.”

They argue that the building has the potential for significant dust emissions and the effect of this on the surrounding environment is poorly understood. Ironically, the Australian Antarctic Division argues that year-round entry will improve research. This will allow scientists to better understand the impact of human beings and their infrastructure on a relatively pristine environment.

One thing is for sure, the Australian Government is eager to move forward with this project. As he gathers momentum, he will become more and more controversial.

What is your opinion Should Antarctica get a paved runway? Post a comment and let us know.