The WA Government has announced more than $3.8 million in grants are now available to support improvements to regional and remote airports through the 2027-29 Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS).
RADS grants are now open to regional and remote airport owners and leaseholders to support infrastructure works that improve community air services and safety.
Offered every two years, the grants enable airports and airstrips to upgrade facilities including runways, taxiways and terminals, fencing, lighting and navigational aids, and undertake planning to guide future development and capital works.
The grants are generally for 50% of total project costs and applicants are encouraged to also seek funding from other government or private agencies towards their project.
“Ensuring regional air services are accessible and affordable enables communities to stay connected to essential services and job opportunities, while supporting efficient movement of freight and tourism,” said WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“These grants build on our investment in major regional airport upgrades including the recently completed East Kimberley Regional Airport runway extension and our $14 million commitment to upgrades at Albany Airport.
“We’re also supporting regional and remote Western Australians to access affordable air travel through our landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme and providing subsidies for airlines operating on critical regional routes.”
Twelve airports across eight regions shared in $3.6 million in the 2025-27 grant round, which included $1.6 million towards airstrip upgrades in remote Aboriginal communities.
More than $54 million in RADS funding has been granted to 336 regional airport projects that have improved airport safety, accessibility, security, and development planning for remote and regional communities.
Applications for the 2027-29 RADS funding round are open until 4 September 2026.
For more information on RADS grants, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/aviation/regional-airports-development-scheme.
