Whyalla’s regional airport is now cleared for take-off after a $32.4 million upgrade that has strengthened its runway, replaced outdated lighting systems, and opened the door to larger aircraft and faster flight times. The project, delivered on time and on budget, was jointly funded by the Commonwealth, South Australian Government, and Whyalla City Council, and has been hailed as essential to keeping the region connected.
The work allows 74-seat Q400 aircraft to operate on Whyalla routes, increasing passenger capacity and cutting flight durations. Whyalla Airport handles more than 50,000 passengers a year, many of them FIFO workers critical to regional industries. Without the upgrade, commercial flights between Whyalla and Adelaide were at risk, a scenario that could have affected not just workers and tourists but also urgent medical transport services.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the upgrade was “a demonstration of our confidence in Whyalla’s long-term future,” noting the airport’s key role in the state’s regional network.
The project is being seen as a case study in coordinated government action, with Canberra contributing $16.2 million, the state chipping in $13.8 million, and Whyalla Council adding $2.4 million. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said it was about “keeping local communities connected, bringing visitors in and helping maintain a strong regional aviation network.”
That network, though regional, plays a role in national logistics and economic planning. The Albanese Government’s support for the upgrade forms part of a broader push to strengthen essential infrastructure in remote areas, especially where resource operations and defence industries intersect. The Whyalla Special Economic Zone, set up by the state government, aims to channel investment into the city’s industrial base, and the airport upgrade was among the first projects to benefit.
Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the works injected $4 million into the regional economy, adding that using local materials and labour gave an additional lift. Of the 234 workers involved in construction, 110 were local to Whyalla. Materials were sourced from within the state, with over 90 per cent of the inputs coming from nearby suppliers.
“This wasn’t just a build,” said Ayres. “It was a boost.”
For the city’s mayor, Phill Stone, the project goes hand-in-hand with the larger ambitions of Whyalla’s economic renewal. “I’d like to thank the Albanese and Malinauskas governments for their unprecedented financial support of Whyalla’s steelworks and airport,” he said, “recognising the significance of our city in the prosperity of both the state and the entire nation.”
The new capabilities come at a time when regional Australia is under pressure to deliver more with less—especially in sectors like mining, energy, and remote services. Having faster, more frequent connections to Adelaide is expected to help businesses attract talent, support local tourism, and make logistics smoother for time-sensitive freight and equipment transport.
South Australian Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis made it plain: “This upgrade was imperative. Without it, there would have been damage to businesses that rely on FIFO workers, as well as tourism operators.”
QantasLink, which will now operate its larger Q400 turboprops on the route, welcomed the runway works. CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the investment unlocks opportunities for growth across the region, with more seats and faster journeys for travellers.
Local federal member Eddie Hughes called it a joint victory: “Once again the Federal and State Labor Governments demonstrate their commitment to Whyalla and the Northern Spencer Gulf.”
Fulton Hogan, the construction firm tasked with the delivery, said the response from the local community had been “overwhelmingly supportive.” CEO Peter Curl said the company prioritised local engagement and worked closely with the council on additional projects, building on the goodwill generated during the airport construction phase.
Whyalla’s airport now joins a growing list of regional terminals across Australia being retooled to meet 21st-century needs. The aim is not just to keep planes flying, but to ensure the regions they serve remain viable places to live, work and invest. As one official quietly remarked at the launch, it’s not just about getting out of town faster—it’s about making sure people still want to stay.
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