Since the pandemic, Moruya Airport passenger numbers have bounced back to normal, and upgrades are on the horizon.
Eurobodalla Council's airport manager Sheldon Jones said passenger numbers peaked at 22,000 just before Covid, in 2020. Then, during the Covid slump there were only 6000 passengers for the whole year.
"Passenger numbers have now returned over 20,000 and have stayed steady despite the economic hardships everyone is facing," Mr Jones said.
"We predict passenger numbers to steadily grow over the next few years as more people opt for air travel over road trips, and with airlines providing more attractive pricing options."
"The service is well used and as passenger numbers rise Rex is likely to increase the frequency of flights or bring in larger planes," Mr Jones said.
He said passenger numbers would eventually outgrow the existing terminal which currently seats 42 people.
"We're planning for future need; designing a new passenger terminal on the western side of the airport, which we'll soon hold more public meetings for community input," Mr Jones said.
"An Airport Masterplan outlining the airport's development phases will be presented to Council in the upcoming year."
The runway was rebuilt in 2019 and is ready to cater for larger planes, however, Mr Jones said surrounding airport infrastructure would require upgrades.
"The terminal, hangar lots and taxiways need to be expanded to fully unlock the airport's potential and manage increased passenger traffic efficiently," Mr Jones said.
Eleven new hangar sites were recently built for aviation businesses, with plans for more to be included in the masterplan.
"Having more hangars creates demand for specialists to establish businesses, increases local employment, and boosts business within our shire," Mr Jones said.
"We have people hangaring their planes, using them for training, maintenance, sales, or servicing."
For anyone travelling to Sydney, Mr Jones said Rex flights can start at $169 when booked in advance.
"With the new hospital and ongoing developments in our shire, the service is great for fly-in-fly-out opportunities," he said.
