- 2025-27 round of the Regional Airports Development Scheme now open
- Up to $3.8 million in funding available for regional and remote airports in WA
- Funding supports improvements to aviation infrastructure, planning and safety
The 2025-27 Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) has opened for applications with up to $3.8 million available in grants to improve regional air services and safety.
Administered by the Department of Transport, RADS grants are open to airport owners and support up to 50 per cent of total costs for planning, safety and infrastructure projects at regional and remote airports.
The 2023-25 round saw 22 regional airports awarded more than $4 million in funding.
Major projects supported included:
- upgrades to the Bremer Bay airstrip to allow better access for air services managing bushfires;
- new terminal at Laverton Airport; and
- improved infrastructure to support Royal Flying Doctor Service emergency evacuations for airstrips at Aboriginal communities Djarindjin-Lombadina in the Kimberley and Kiwirrkurra in the Pilbara.
Over $53 million in RADS funding has supported 326 regional and remote airport projects across Western Australia since the program's inception.
The 2025-27 RADS grant round opening comes in addition to a 2024-25 State Budget funding commitment of $94 million by the Cook Labor Government in regional aviation initiatives.
This included a $64.6 million investment in the flagship Regional Aviation Zone Cap scheme to continue capped airfares for regional residents, $21.3 million toward regional airport upgrades and $8 million to the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program.
Applications for the current RADS grant round close on Friday, 23 August. For more information or to apply, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/RADS
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The next round of the Regional Airports Development Scheme builds on the Labor Government's historic investment in regional aviation, with $29.3 million committed to airport infrastructure upgrades at the 2024-25 Budget.
"Our funding for airport upgrades result in better safety and accessibility for regional and remote residents, enabling them to connect to family and friends, health services and business opportunities across Western Australia.
"The Labor Government's continued investment in RADS is an important part of our overall commitment to aviation initiatives that support economic development and growth in the regions."
As stated by Acting Regional Development Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We know how important air travel is for regional and remote communities, which is why we continue investing in these programs that improve airport infrastructure.
"These grants complement efforts to also make flying cheaper for regional residents, plus other investments in regional airport upgrades and the Aboriginal Community Airstrip Renewal Program."
