With the extension of the North Australia Railway in 1926, a bridge across the Katherine River opened, allowing local businesses to move from the rail head town of Emungalan to more favourable sites on the southern bank of the river in the new township of Katherine.

Previously, a rough airstrip built in 1923 had served the area, however, with the increased development land was sought and secured in 1930 for a permanent airport 1.5 km (0.93 mi) north-east of the town.

[2] Fenton's aircraft is preserved and on display in a purpose-built hangar at the Katherine Museum, adjacent to the former runway.

At 7:50 am on 18 January 1939, Captain C. R. Clarke took off from the Katherine Aerodrome in his Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra of Guinea Airways (predecessor of Airlines of South Australia).

According to Flying Doctor Clyde Fenton The plane only just cleared the end of the runway before crashing into the Katherine River.