Armidale Regional Airport will remain closed for the week after planned maintenance works caused the runway to become unsafe. The closure is set to continue until at least Saturday, 15 February.
According to Armidale Regional Council, the issue arose due to repetitive plant movement during scheduled maintenance, which destabilised the underground water and compromised the runway pavement. As a result, the airport has been deemed unsafe for aircraft operations.
Council is prioritising the repairs and directing all available resources and materials to address the issue. The response includes installing subsoil drainage and rebuilding the subsoil areas of the affected pavement. However, the presence of significant underground water has added complexity to the repair process. Council has also factored in the forecasted storms this week while determining the timeline for the work.
“Safety is our first priority, and we will complete the work as efficiently as we can, but we need to ensure the work is done to a very high standard,” said a council spokesperson.
For real-time updates on flight statuses, passengers can check the Qantas App or the airline’s website. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed through council announcements regarding the evolving situation.
Travel disruptions hit UNE’s biggest week
The airport closure has caused major disruptions for travellers, particularly students returning to the University of New England (UNE) for the start of the academic year. Lifesaver Day 2025, a key event for new students, is scheduled for 19 February, and over 600 new students are expected to attend—if they can get there. UNE has not officially commented but is reportedly assisting affected students individually.
To support impacted passengers, Armidale Regional Council is running complimentary bus services between Armidale and Tamworth airports.
Schedule (11–14 February 2025)
- Morning Services: Depart Armidale at 7:00 AM, arrive Tamworth at 9:00 AM for 10:15 AM flights.
- Midday Services: Depart Tamworth at 10:00 AM for passengers from 9:35 AM flight, arrive Armidale at 12:00 PM.
- Afternoon Services: Depart Armidale at 1:30 PM, arrive Tamworth at 3:30 PM for 5:00 PM flights.
- Evening Services: Depart Tamworth at 5:00 PM for passengers from 4:30 PM flight, arrive Armidale at 7:00 PM.
- Final Service: Depart Tamworth at 8:30 PM for the last flight, arrive Armidale at 10:30 PM.
- Extra Service (Thursday 13 Feb only): Depart Armidale at 9:30 AM, arrive Tamworth at 11:30 AM for 1:00 PM flights. Return service at 1:00 PM for 12:30 PM flight arrivals.
For the latest updates, check Armidale Regional Council’s social media pages as the schedule may change.
Additionally, Qantas is offering flexibility to customers who had booked flights to or from Armidale on or before 11 February for travel between 28 January and 15 February. Affected customers can opt for a fee-free refund, travel credit, or reschedule their booking by up to ten days, subject to availability. Those who no longer wish to travel can contact Qantas directly at 13 13 13 within Australia or reach out to their travel agent if they booked through a third party.
Passengers can also utilise alternative transport options such as the daily NSW TrainLink rail service from Sydney to Armidale, which connects to a coach service from Armidale to Tenterfield. Additional capacity has been added to the train service on Thursday and Friday.
NSW Government ready to assist
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison has acknowledged the disruption and says that the NSW Government is prepared to assist if requested.
“I have reached out to the Member for New England Brendan Moylan and Armidale Regional Mayor Sam Coupland on this issue and advised them the NSW Government is willing to assist in whatever way we can whilst the airport is closed,” Minister Aitchison said.
“Transport for NSW would consider any request for assistance from Armidale Regional Council, who are responsible for the operations of the Armidale Airport.
“I have been advised that a local bus company is working with Council to provide extra services to Tamworth.
“Alternative transport solutions to Armidale include the daily NSW TrainLink rail service from Sydney to Armidale, with a connecting coach service from Armidale to Tenterfield and this Thursday and Friday, as occurs every week, there is an extra carriage on the train service which provides some additional capacity.”
Unexpected highlights the well-known vulnerability
The closure of Armidale Regional Airport highlights broader transport challenges for the region. In an environment where the lack of rail transport north of Armidale and a dearth of public transport generally are persistent pain points, removing one of the busiest airports – and the scrambling for alternatives – lays bare how vulnerable the New England is to being cut off.
The New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) is set to commence in Q3 of 2026 to address regional transport issues more comprehensively, and is likely to have a collection of strongly worded submissions from local campaigners, as well as a few from unexpected corners affected by this latest issue.
Also likely to have some vocal feedback is a consultation by NSW TrainLink, currently seeking public input on proposed new coach services, including a potential Armidale to Port Macquarie route. The public can provide feedback on these proposals until Friday, 14 February at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/trainlink-coach-network-review/north-west.
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