Cocos (Keeling) Island International Airport, also known as Cocos Islands Airport, is a small but important airport located on West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. The airport serves as the main gateway to the Cocos Islands, providing crucial links to the mainland and facilitating tourism, trade, and transportation for the local population.

The airport is classified as a small regional airport with a single runway measuring 2,900 feet in length, making it suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft. The airport is operated and managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Australia.

Cocos (Keeling) Island International Airport serves as a vital lifeline for the local community, as it enables the residents of the remote islands to travel to and from the mainland for essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. The airport also plays a key role in supporting the islands' tourism industry, as it provides a convenient route for visitors to access the pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife that the Cocos Islands have to offer.

The airport has a relatively small terminal building that provides essential facilities for passengers, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and waiting areas. The airport also features a small apron for aircraft parking and refueling, as well as basic ground handling services.

Despite its small size, Cocos (Keeling) Island International Airport is equipped with modern navigational aids and safety systems to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of flights to and from the islands. The airport is serviced by regional airlines such as Skytraders and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which operate flights between the Cocos Islands and destinations such as Perth and Christmas Island.

In recent years, the airport has seen an increase in passenger traffic, driven by growing interest in the Cocos Islands as a tourist destination. The airport has played a crucial role in supporting the islands' tourism industry, which is known for its stunning natural beauty, clear blue waters, and abundant marine life. Tourists visiting the Cocos Islands can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and bird watching, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to serving as a gateway for passengers, Cocos (Keeling) Island International Airport also plays a key role in facilitating cargo and freight transportation to and from the islands. The airport is equipped to handle a variety of cargo, including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other essential supplies for the local community.

Overall, Cocos (Keeling) Island International Airport is a vital transportation hub for the Cocos Islands, providing essential links to the mainland and supporting the islands' economy, tourism industry, and local community. Despite its small size, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting the Cocos Islands to the rest of the world and helping to showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of this remote and unique destination.