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Albany Airport in WA’s Great Southern region is set for a multi-million-dollar overhaul that could allow non-stop flights from the east coast.
The “comprehensive upgrades to the runway, taxiways and aprons” will be funded by $14.7 million from the Commonwealth, $14 million from the WA Government and about $12.9 million from the City of Albany, and will support passenger flights as well as FIFO and future firefighting operations.
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“Albany Airport is a critical connection to the Great Southern region, and it is important its infrastructure is future-proofed to meet demand,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“More people than ever are flying in and out of Albany Airport, including residents accessing cheaper flights through our Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme. This scheme has already delivered more than 42,000 capped flights for Albany locals since it was introduced in 2022.
“These airport upgrades will help better connect the community to essential services and job opportunities, as well as bring more visitors to the region. They will also open up more FIFO employment opportunities for Albany families which help fuel WA’s economy.”
The works will enable heavier and more fuel-efficient aircraft to land at Albany, as well as enabling future development to support firefighting aircraft like large air tankers. Both major parties had pledged millions to Albany Airport before last year’s WA state election.
WA Tourism and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby said the upgrades will attract more people to “one of Western Australia’s great tourism destinations”.
“Better airport infrastructure means increased flight connections, more visitors through the region and more opportunities for local businesses that will strengthen the Great Southern economy for years to come,” he said.
“The prospect of direct east coast flights is incredibly exciting for Albany and the wider Great Southern, which would put the region within reach of millions more Australians, strengthening the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy.”
The news has also been welcomed by City of Albany Mayor Greg Stocks, who said the airport is a “lifeline” for the region.
“It supports local businesses, essential services and continued capability of supporting the landing of larger aircraft for our FIFO industry and emergency services,” he said.
“The growth of Albany Airport will drive economic vitality and enhance community connectivity, with investment from all levels of government recognising the significant impact the upgrade will have on our region’s prosperity and future.”
Albany Airport is currently served by Rex flights to Perth, and received $414,605 under the federal government’s relief package for airports impacted by the Rex administration.
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