For the last few weeks, the boom gates have been operating as part of a free trial to give airport users the chance to get familiar with the new ticketing operations.

The first two hours of parking are free to allow travellers to be dropped off and picked up without any charge.

Tamworth Regional Council Manager Airport and Aviation Development, Julie Stewart, said the new system has been operating smoothly and expects the introduction of the new fees to be trouble-free. Parking will cost $2 per hour in either the short-term or long-term car park after the free two-hour stay. A maximum 24-hour fee of $10 a day applies in the short-term car park and $8 a day in the long-term car park. All revenue generated from the fees will be used for maintenance and upgrades.