WA’s busiest airport will be forced to close for at least tonight after a lightning strike damaged “almost all” of the taxi and runway lights required to guide planes during take-off and landing.
Disruptions are not expected for essential services that use the airport as a base — including WA Police and RAC rescue helicopter flights — after Jandakot Airport announced the runways would close from sunset.
The airport said a direct lightning strike on the airfield had resulted in damage to critical airstrip infrastructure.
“Please note that a direct lightning strike on our airfield today has resulted in damage to lighting cables and almost all of our runway and taxiway lights have been damaged,” it said.
“Unfortunately, this means that our runways and taxiways will not be available tonight and the aerodrome will not be available after sunset.
“Jandakot Airport will endeavour to get at least one runway back and operational by tomorrow night.”
The airport said a notice has been issued to relevant parties of the disruption.
When The West Australian called the airport at 2.30pm on Monday, a spokesperson said the airport was currently open.
A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said there would be “no impact to the service delivery” of RAC rescue helicopters during the aerodromes’ closure from sunset.
It is understood WA Police have alternative options to ensure officers can be flown to locations around the State even if their Jandakot-based plane can’t fly. It is understood the WA Police Air Wing helicopters do not require lighting for take-off and landing.
A police spokesman said the force did not comment on the “operational availability, deployment, or readiness of aircraft capabilities”.
“Ensuring community safety remains a priority, and the WA Police Force maintains a range of policing resources and capabilities to support operational requirements across the State,” he said.
“The WA Police Force continues to respond to incidents as required and does not discuss specific operational arrangements.”
The Royal Flying Doctor Service said temporary lights or clearance to land at Perth Airport were being considered if flights were required on Monday evening through to Tuesday morning.
“The RFDS in WA is working closely with Jandakot Airport following a lightning strike earlier today,” they said.
“As always, the safety of our people and patients is our most important priority.”
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