Wentworth Aerodrome officially opened by Deputy Premier Paul Toole

Wentworth Aerodrome has been officially opened by Deputy Premier Paul Toole on 31 January 2023.

Wentworth Shire Council was successful in securing $8.42 million of funding from Restart NSW (Regional Growth: Economic Activation Fund – Growing Local Economies Program) in 2019 to provide an all-weather, 24 hour access facility with the capacity for Code 2B Aircraft (15-21 seat planes).

With a $700,000 contribution from Wentworth Shire Council, this brings the combined total for the project to $9.12 million.

The upgrade project included the construction of a new sealed runway, taxiway and apron, aircraft parking areas and the installation of pilot activated lighting. The Civil Construction components of the project were carried out by Wentworth Shire Council staff and project managed by Council. This enabled considerable budget savings.

Additional works on the Wentworth Aerodrome Upgrade commenced in September 2021 following approval from funding body Restart NSW to utilise the project’s savings to upgrade the facility’s secondary runway.

These works included the construction, sealing and installation of AGL lighting to the remaining 600m length of runway 17/35 with the capacity for Code 2B aircraft.

The Wentworth Aerodrome Upgrade Project was completed in January 2022, with operators making full use of the facilities ever since. All works have been completed in accordance with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) national standards.

This upgrade will support the rural and remote emergency and air freight networks, cater for larger charter aircraft used by the mining and government sectors, as well as cater to air charter tours for international and domestic visitors. This will enable better access to Mungo National Park, the iconic Murray & Darling River Junction and other tourist attractions in the area.

In addition, Deputy Premier Paul Toole announced at the official opening of the Wentworth Aerodrome that $176,108 of funding from the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five has been secured to upgrade the airport hangars.

“This will allow the aerodrome to run power to all aircraft hangers, as well as install an automated gate to the tarmac, boosting security for users and increasing the appeal for local aviation businesses. The funding will also allow for the purchase and installation of area navigation equipment, bringing the aerodrome into the 21st century and making take-off and landing safer for pilots.” Mr Toole said.

Upgrades continue at Wentworth Aerodrome

Additional works on the Wentworth Aerodrome Upgrade commenced this week after approval from funding body Restart NSW to utilise the project’s savings to upgrade the facility’s secondary runway
These works include the construction, sealing and installation of AGL lighting to the remaining 600m length of runway 17/35 with the capacity for Code 2B aircraft.

Wentworth Aerodrome upgrade update

Council wishes to advise that works are due to commence on Runway 17/35 as part of Stage 3 of the Wentworth Aerodrome Upgrade.

Runway 17/35 will be closed to all traffic as of 7:00am on Thursday 2 September 2021.

Construction works include construction, sealing and the installation of AGL lighting of the secondary runway 17/35 with the capacity for Code 1B aircrafts.

Completion of works is anticipated for January 2022 weather permitting and subject to supply of materials and/or COVID-19 related delays.

Runway 08/26 will remain open with periodic closures where required to accommodate the construction program.

Council will endeavour to keep closures to the minimum where possible.

All aerodrome users must check the Air Services website for the latest information on the operational status of the aerodrome prior to use.

NOTAM C38/21 is available now on the Air Services website for the closure.

For more information contact Trevor Willcock, Aerodrome Manager on 03 5027 5027.

Wentworth Aerodrome Open to daytime traffic

The Wentworth Aerodrome is now open for daytime traffic.


The main runway is operational, however the North-South runway is still closed for ongoing works.


There is ample parking space for aircraft and there is access to fuel.


Daytime traffic was able to use the main runway from Wednesday for the first time since April 2020 when work on the $9.12 million Wentworth Aerodrome redevelopment project commenced.


Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Susan Nichols said the redevelopment, which is the biggest project Council has ever undertaken, was nearing completion.


“It is exciting to see planes back in the air from Wentworth Aerodrome,” Cr Nichols said.


“This project really is a jewel in the crown for the Wentworth region and I can’t wait to see the finished product when we will have an all-weather facility able to be accessed 24 hours a day.”


Wentworth Shire Council advises there will be intermittent closures as the aerodrome redevelopment project continues, however work can largely continue while the main runway is in use.


Aviators will be notified by NOTAM of closures.

Wentworth Aerodrome Upgrade

Wentworth Shire Council was successful in securing Restart NSW Infrastructure funding in May 2019 for the upgrade of the Wentworth Aerodrome to provide an all-weather, 24 hour access facility with the capacity for Code 2B Aircraft.

The Aerodrome will be closed for upgrade works as of Monday 20 April 2020, with works scheduled to be completed in early 2021.

The upgrade includes the construction of a new sealed runway, taxiway and apron, aircraft parking areas and the installation of pilot activated lighting.

The upgrade will support the rural and remote emergency and air freight networks, cater for larger charter aircraft used by the mining and government sectors, as well as cater to air charter tours for international and domestic visitors. This will enable better access to Mungo National Park and other tourist attractions in the area.

Council advises all operators to ensure they make alternative arrangements for aircraft operations for the duration of the closure as there will be no access under any circumstances to the aerodrome during this time.

To keep up to date with developments and progress, make sure you visit the Aerodrome Upgrade page