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Qantas accused of 'dawdling' over plans to relocate operations to Terminal 1 at Perth Airport

Perth Airport has become notorious among overseas tourists, and even locals, who are often left confused and frustrated when trying to work out which terminal they need to get to. 

Every other international airline currently operates out of Terminal 1, while Qantas operates both its domestic and international services from the separated Terminals 3 and 4.

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook has criticised Qantas for "dawdling" over its long-awaited plans to consolidate its operations to Terminal 1, which he says is holding the state back from becoming the "western gateway to Australia".

Here's everything you need to know about this lengthy and complicated dispute and where things stand right now.

Why is the state government frustrated?

As Manila became the latest international city to have a direct flight into Perth on Monday, Mr Cook said Qantas was "holding Western Australia back" in its quest to welcome more non-stop overseas flights.

"I hope Qantas has the same ambitions we do to grow Perth as the western gateway to Australia and we're a little bit frustrated with the dawdling that's going on at the moment with Qantas," he said.

Roger Cook has encouraged Qantas and Perth Airport to resolve the issues as soon as possible. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)

Qantas has limited flight capacity out of T3 and T4, which Mr Cook said was limiting the state's tourism opportunities. 

"We can't bring too many flights through that boutique international arrival hall, which we have at terminal four," he said. 

"It's holding Western Australia back. It's holding us back in terms of our tourism, our international business communities and our international education opportunities.

"There are a range of issues which frustrate the rollout of the potential for Qantas flights flying in and out of Perth.

"I want to encourage Perth Airport and Qantas to resolve those issues as soon as possible."

Why is Perth Airport pushing for the relocation?

Perth Airport has been working to consolidate all commercial air services to a central location for more than 40 years.

Perth Airport has been trying to consolidate its international terminal. (Instagram: @perthairport)

In 2019, the airport released plans for a $2.5 billion upgrade to the international terminal that would allow space for Qantas to move in. 

At the time, Perth Airport predicted the consolidation would nearly double annual passenger numbers. 

Not only would the move increase the amount of Qantas flights in and out of Perth, but it would also provide a green light for other projects. 

The completion of the $1.86 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link has added another layer to the dispute. 

An aerial view of the new train station at Perth Airport.  (Supplied: State government)

The line transports passengers to Airport Central, which isn't a convenient drop-off or pick-up point for Qantas passengers at T3 and T4. 

Why Qantas isn't cooperating

Plans to move Qantas to Terminal 1 were estimated to take place at the end of 2025, but COVID-19 pushed that date back. 

Aviation expert, Geoffrey Thomas, said a new date has not been agreed upon, because Qantas isn't willing to sign on it. 

Most international departures at Perth airport leave from Terminal 1. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)

"Qantas says yes, we will move but they won't put their signature to a piece of paper," Mr Thomas said. 

The airline would prefer to stay in Terminals 3 and 4 but wanted the airport to expand those facilities. 

"Perth airport says they're not going to expand it," he said. 

What are the knock-on effects?

Mr Thomas said the push back from Qantas has halted further operations. 

"If Qantas would agree to sign a contract that they will move by say 2028, then Perth Airport can start planning and building the facilities required and the terminal required," he said. 

"Perth airport for instance, would probably extend the current domestic terminal to help them get through the next five years while they build a new facility."

Qantas and Perth Airport have been contacted for comment.

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