Community & Business
12 May, 2022
Airport celebrates huge milestone
ON this day 80 years ago, when the Battle of the Coral Sea was at its peak, the Mareeba Airstrip was beginning its first day of construction.
The group of engineers and Main Roads had eight days to complete the air strip, which would accommodate many squadrons from the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States of America Air Force.
After eight days of construction, a gravel strip over 2,000 metres long by 60 metres wide was ready for the first Australian-made Beaufort bombers of No.100 squadron RAAF, which landed at Mareeba on 20 May 1942.
FNQ Aviation Museum is still searching for archived photos and journals to help create a mural in honour of the airports 80th birthday.
Anyone who has anything relating to the Mareeba Airport are encouraged to send a copy through to the FNQAM via email at admin@fnqam.com.au or to visit them at the JRM Braes Road Facility, at the Western end of the airport on Thursdays and Saturdays.
