- More than $3.8 million in grant funding available through the 2027-29 Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS)
- RADS grants support aviation infrastructure upgrades to improve air services and safety for regional communities
- $54 million in RADS funding has supported 336 regional airport projects since scheme launched
- Cook Labor Government committed to delivering quality infrastructure across the State
More than $3.8 million in grants are 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 per cent of total project costs and applicants are encouraged to also seek funding from other government or private agencies towards their project.
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
As stated by 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 $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.
“It’s all part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to supporting a high quality of life for regional and remote Western Australians and keeping our regions strong.”
