The amount will be made up of a $3.5 million investment from an incoming Coalition  Government and $1.9 million from Armidale Dumaresq Council. 

The Nationals say the upgrade would ensure the airport is suitable for larger planes to fly into Armidale in coming  years, making the airport more viable, competitive and able to serve the community. 

An incoming Coalition Government would invest in a terminal expansion, carpark extension,  runway lighting replacement program, new parallel taxiway construction, terminal apron area  extension and emergency assembly.

“Armidale Airport is vital not only for Armidale and the University of New England, but also for 

surrounding areas. The towns of Guyra, Inverell, Uralla and Glen Innes rely on the airport, 

and the expansion will allow the airport to better serve the citizens of the New England 

electorate,” Mr Joyce said.

“Upgrading the airport's facilities for larger aircraft has the potential to attract other airlines to 

compete on the Sydney to Armidale route. It builds on the existing strengths of the regional 

airport encouraging local businesses, attracting tourists, and allowing new people to relocate 

their families and enterprises to Armidale.

“This expansion has the potential to deliver an economic boost to the region. I aim to build for 

growth and that’s what this project does."