Albury Airport upgrade complete

Published 16 September 2009.

AlburyCity's $5M airport upgrade will be formally completed today, giving passengers their first opportunity to use the new check-in counters and admire new development's vast open space.

The airport now features fully automated check-in facilities, including a baggage conveyor system with automatic baggage screening.

Cr Gould said the appearance and functioning of the terminal was now of a calibre that reflected Albury's sophistication, as a major regional city.

"Our airport facilities have been dramatically enhanced," she said.

"I think it is wonderful that the upgrade, which was achieved within budget, has come at a time when business travel has significantly increased."

AlburyCity expects more than 300,000 passengers will use the airport this year. Over the past five years, there has been an average annual increase of 15% in passengers.

No timeframes or funding have been determined for the final two stages of the airport upgrade, which will expand the retail area, pedestrian areas between the departures and arrivals areas, and arrivals lounge. Plans also include a mezzanine level within the departures lounge to accommodate facilities for airline club members.

However, a $1.6M upgrade of the carpark is expected to start early in the new year, which will accommodate up to 400 cars, offer more long-term secure parking, and feature dedicated parking for buses, taxis and rental cars.

The new airport will be officially opened on Friday 23 October, as part of celebrations marking 75 years since the Uiver's dramatic landing in Albury.