Those accustomed to flying into YWOL for a breakfast or lunch etc at "The Aviator Lounge" will be sorry to hear the restaurant was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Monday 20th May 2013.
Damage to the building is extensive, with warped steel beams, windows blown out, aluminium fittings totally burned up and cracks in the brickwork.
Cause of the fire remains unknown, but an "ear-witness" likened the sounds to someone trying to start a badly over-primed six-cylinder Continental aircraft engine.
So, with much regret, we bid farewell to one of the best airport restaurants on the entire East coast. Shellharbour city council owned the building and presumably a new one will be built for use as a terminal/arrival/departures building for the growing FIFO market, but whether a new restaurant matching the capability of "The Aviator" will appear remains uncertain.
Commiserations also to restauranteurs Mark and Kerry, and the thirteen staff whose jobs are gone. For all your good works and cheerful approach in the past we thank you, and we will miss this amenity hugely.