The Government of Western Australia has opened applications for the 2027–29 Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS), with more than AUD 3.8 million in grants available to support upgrades at regional and remote airports across the State.
RADS grants are now open to airport owners and leaseholders to fund infrastructure works that improve community air services, safety and long‑term operational resilience. Offered every two years, the scheme enables airports and airstrips to upgrade runways, taxiways, terminals, fencing, lighting and navigational aids, and undertake planning to guide future development and capital works.
The grants typically cover 50 per cent of total project costs, and applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from other government or private agencies.
In the 2025–27 round, twelve airports across eight regions shared AUD 3.6 million, including AUD 1.6 million allocated to airstrip upgrades in remote Aboriginal communities. Since inception, more than AUD 54 million in RADS funding has supported 336 regional airport projects, improving safety, accessibility, security and development planning for communities across Western Australia.
Applications for the 2027–29 RADS round close on 11 September 2026. Further information is available at: www.transport.wa.gov.au/aviation/regional-airports-development-scheme
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti: “We are committed to ensuring our regional and remote communities are supported by quality airport infrastructure.”
“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.”
“These grants build on our investment in major regional airport upgrades including the recently completed East Kimberley Regional Airport runway extension and our AUD 14 million commitment to upgrades at Albany Airport.”
