Owners and operators of remote airstrips can apply for a share of $25 million for safety and accessibility upgrades under the latest round of the Australian Government’s Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.
Round 12 of the program is open to eligible aerodromes and airports in remote and very remote areas across Australia, with grants ranging from $5000 to $4 million.
For communities where road access can be unreliable or cut for extended periods, local airstrips provide critical connections to health care, emergency services, food and other supplies, mail and passenger services.
Funding for safer, more accessible airstrips
Projects can include resealing or re-sheeting aircraft pavements, repairs to runways, taxiways and aprons, drainage works, lighting, animal fencing and navigational aids.
Funding is also available for aviation safety training and basic airside ambulance and passenger shelters.
Accessibility works are eligible, including ramps, signage and aircraft boarding facilities that improve access for people with disability.
Grants will generally cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, although different co-funding arrangements can apply where third parties are contributing.
Indigenous owned or operated aerodromes that meet the program guidelines may be eligible for funding covering up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs.
More than 500 projects funded
More than $140 million has been committed through the previous 11 rounds of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, funding 512 projects across Australia.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said the program had passed a significant milestone.
“The total number of projects funded has ticked over 500, which is a significant achievement.
“And we know there’s plenty more airstrips across our vast nation that could do with support to upgrade their facilities to improve safety and services.”
The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program forms part of the Australian Government’s Regional Aviation Access Program and is intended to support safer, more reliable year-round access to remote communities.
Applications close 6 October
Applicants must be owners or operators of an existing aerodrome or airport in an area classified as remote or very remote under the Australian Statistical Geography Standard and meet the other eligibility requirements set out in the grant guidelines.
Applications for Round 12 close at 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
Full eligibility guidelines and application details are available through Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program – Round 12.
