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Bendigo Airport has completed a $12 million overhaul, including a new terminal and expanded apron.
The project, which received $9 million in funding divided between state and federal governments and $3 million from the City of Greater Bendigo, features a terminal four times larger than the old building, a 183-space car park, and an apron capable of accommodating two 70-seat aircraft.
“This is a great boost for Bendigo, not only for better air links and facilities but also for local jobs, with up to 19 ongoing jobs expected to be created by 2030,” said federal Transport Minister Catherine King.
“This project will boost tourism and the local economy for Bendigo, with the airport’s apron expansion allowing more aircraft and extra space for other airlines, meaning more flights to more destinations in the future.”
The new terminal includes new check-in facilities and departure lounge, as well as indoor arrivals and baggage collection, upgraded restrooms, and provisions for future security screening.
Bendigo Airport is currently only served by QantasLink, which operates a Sydney service six times per week. Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said the upgrades will help open up opportunities for the city and support its growing population, which is tipped to reach 155,000 by 2036.
“Thanks to the Bendigo to Sydney Qantas service and our new terminal building, the convenience of travelling from Bendigo Airport has never been easier,” she said.
“Projects of this scale are not only an investment in local infrastructure, a valuable transport service and future business opportunities, they deliver real local employment opportunities and represent an investment in the skills and capability of local industry.”
Bendigo Airport is also a base for emergency services, and the upgrades include a new helipad that can accommodate fire, flood response, police, and military helicopters as well as existing Ambulance Victoria traffic. The helipad was funded by a $300,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program.
The first stage of the upgrade project, which was announced in 2022, opened in June last year, including the departure lounge, cafe, screening area, restrooms, office space and equipment shed. The old terminal building was subsequently demolished in August to make way for the entry foyer, security screening, baggage check-in and baggage claim areas.
