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Posted by Allen Newton
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4 June, 2026
ALBANY Airport in Western Australia’s south is to get a major upgrade, allowing it to handle new freight opportunities.
The news of the project follows last week’s state and federal government announcement of upgrades to the East Kimberley Airport.
The City of Albany will manage the Great Southern project, which includes comprehensive upgrades to the runway, taxiways and aprons to accommodate heavier, more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
A construction tender is now open for works designed to support the heavier aircraft, expanded regional connectivity and future firefighting capability. The project is supported by a $14.7 million investment from the Australian government's Growing Regions Program, a WA government election commitment of $14 million and about $12.9 million from the City of Albany.
Albany Airport is a key gateway for the Great Southern, supporting passenger services, business travel and essential operations.
The design also enables future support for large air tankers, enhancing the region’s emergency‑response capability during bushfire seasons. In addition, the upgraded infrastructure will position Albany to pursue direct east‑coast flights, opening new opportunities for tourism, business travel and freight movements into and out of the Great Southern.
Federal and state ministers said the project would help the airport keep pace with rising aircraft movements and passenger numbers, while delivering long‑term economic benefits.
Local representatives highlighted the airport’s role as a “lifeline” for the region, supporting essential services, local businesses and the ability to land larger aircraft for both industry and emergency operations.
The construction tender is now available via the City of Albany and closes on 17 June.
WA MLC Samantha Rowe said keeping regions strong started with delivering quality infrastructure.
"These essential upgrades will strengthen Albany's role as a strategic regional hub by supporting local businesses, essential services and jobs," Ms Rowe said.
The announcement of Albany Airport improvements follows on from last week’s news that the East Kimberley Regional Airport is undergoing a major upgrade designed to support larger aircraft, improve operational reliability and strengthen the region’s role as a northern gateway.
That project includes a runway extension, pavement strengthening, and associated airside works that will allow A320 and B737‑class aircraft to operate without the weight restrictions that have historically limited both passenger loads and belly‑hold freight.
For freight, the extended runway removes long‑standing payload penalties and opens the door to greater uplift capacity, more reliable wet‑season operations and the potential for direct east‑coast services.
The improvements are expected to benefit the region’s agricultural producers—particularly mango, melon and horticulture exporters—by reducing reliance on long‑haul road transport to Perth for air export.
Mining and exploration operators will also gain from improved capability to move urgent parts, samples and equipment.
The upgrade strengthens the airport’s role as a critical supply‑chain link during severe weather, enabling heavier aircraft to maintain essential goods flows when road access is cut.
