Premier Peter Malinauskas, Council's Director Corporate Services Kathy Jarrett and Mayor Phill Stone with representatives from the State and Federal Governments, Whyalla City Council, Fulton Hogan and Qantas cut the ribbon to officially open the completed runway upgrade project.
Whyalla Airport cleared for take-off after vital upgrade completion
24 June 2025
An investment of more than $30 million to upgrade one of South Australia’s most important airports has been completed, allowing vital services to the Whyalla region to continue.
Funded by the Australian ($16.2 million) and South Australian ($13.8 million) governments, the upgrade strengthened the airport’s runway to allow larger aircraft to service the region.
Whyalla City Council funded an additional $2.4 million of the works, which also included replacing the existing airfield lighting system.
The completion of works will allow new 74-seat Q400 aircraft to operate on Whyalla routes, allowing for faster flight times and increased passenger numbers.
The South Australian Government recently established the Whyalla Special Economic Zone to drive local industry involvement in government projects, such as the Whyalla Airport runway upgrade.
Delivered by Fulton Hogan, the project used 90 per cent local construction materials and utilised a total workforce of approximately 234 people, 110 of whom were Whyalla locals.
Premier Peter Malinauskas congratulated council and Fulton Hogan on delivering the project ahead of schedule and under budget.
“This investment is a demonstration of our confidence in Whyalla’s long-term future. Whyalla Airport services more than 50,000 passengers every year, many of them workers, and this upgrade will ensure the airport can continue its important work.”
Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said the upgrade would not only keep locals better connected in the long-term, but also injected around $4 million directly into the region’s economy.
“It provided welcome construction jobs while drawing on local materials, providing a major boost for the area.”
Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone reiterated that the project was significant for local contractors, employees and the broader economy.
“I’d like to thank the Albanese and Malinauskas governments for their unprecedented financial support of Whyalla’s steelworks and airport, thereby recognising the significance of our city in the prosperity of both the state and the entire nation.
“The completion of the upgrade ahead of schedule and under budget is also a credit to our council team and Fulton Hogan, who worked together seamlessly, while also delivering benefits for the community.”
QantasLink CEO, Rachel Yangoyan said the investment by Federal, State and local governments not only supports the future of air travel in Whyalla, but also unlocks new opportunities for economic growth across the region.
“Our investment in an all-Q400 fleet means larger aircraft flying to and from Whyalla, providing more seats and a faster, more comfortable journey for customers.”
Fulton Hogan CEO – Infrastructure Services, Peter Curl said his company was proud to deliver this project for Whyalla – a community that has “shown us overwhelming support”.
“We believe in creating, connecting, and caring for communities and our focus has been to prioritise working with local businesses and workforce.
“We have also worked closely with the council on several community-focused projects to show our appreciation to the community of Whyalla.”
The Fulton Hogan Team celebrate with Whyalla City Council L-R BACK: Fulton Hogan CEO – Infrastructure Services, Peter Curl; Fulton Hogan Project Manager, Hayden Dutney; Fulton Hogan General Manager – Infrastructure Services, Justin Cross; Fulton Hogan General Manager - Airports / Defence, Michael Thompson; Council Project Manager, Anthony Bray; Council Airport Operations Lead Tanvir Sadeque; FRONT: Whyalla Mayor, Phill Stone; Council Director Corporate Services, Kathy Jarrett; Council CEO, Justin Commons.