Christmas Island International Airport serves Flying Fish Cove, the main settlement on Christmas Island, an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean approximately 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth. The airport is the island's sole air link to the outside world and is essential for connecting residents, government workers, and visitors to the Australian mainland. The airport was originally developed for military use and has since been adapted for civilian operations. Its runway and facilities are modest, reflecting the small population of the island, which numbers only a few thousand permanent residents. Air access to Christmas Island is limited, with infrequent scheduled services. The airport handles both passenger and cargo flights, with cargo being particularly important given the island's reliance on imported goods.