The Andamooka Airport (YAMK), operated by the Andamooka Opal Fields Tourism Association (AOFTA), has now entered Stage Two of its development, marking the next step in strengthening aviation access to the Andamooka Opal Fields.

Stage Two follows the successful completion of Stage One, which re-established the airstrip and restored emergency aviation access to the region.

Stage One: Reopening the Airport

Stage One focused on restoring the airstrip so it could again support RFDS, SAPOL and emergency aircraft.

Construction of the new Andamooka Airport included runway lighting, a remote weather station and a live camera system, funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, with AOFTA managing the project.

The airport began operations on 30 June 2025, restoring critical aviation access for the community, and was officially opened on 21 January 2026.

Key outcomes included

  • Reinstatement of Runway 06/24

  • Operational runway length of 1,200 metres

  • Emergency aviation access restored for the community

Managed and operated by AOFTA, the airport is a vital community asset, driven by local volunteers and stakeholders working together to support emergency services and tourism.

Stage Two: Strengthening the Runway

With the airport now operational, work has begun on Stage Two, which focuses on improving the runway surface and long-term durability.

The next step is the sheeting of the runway, which will involve transporting approximately 16,000 tonnes of scalps material and spreading it across the runway surface before grading and compaction.

Sealing the runway surface before deterioration occurs will extend the life of the airstrip and retain the future option to bitumise the runway if required.

The works will involve grading, levelling and compacting the runway across its 1,200 m × 45 m × 150 mm surface.

Transport of the material is a major component of the project and involves specialised heavy haulage operations.

AOFTA is also advocating for the Andamooka Emergency Access Road to be sealed and, in the longer term, for the Andamooka Airfield to be bitumised to further strengthen regional emergency access.

Equipment & Training

Stage Two will also support the procurement of a multi-tyre roller, allowing the community to properly compact the runway surface and maintain it into the future.

This will support training for local operators, helping build long-term capability to maintain the airport locally.

AOFTA has ticketed and authorised volunteers available to operate earthmoving plant, along with airfield insurance that covers the use of equipment for runway maintenance and emergency response purposes.

Stage Two Support

Stage Two has attracted support from a wide range of organisations and individuals, including:

  • Department of Human Services (DHS)

  • RAA

  • SA Arid Lands Landscape Board

  • BHP Copper SA Community

  • BHP Olympic Dam Airport

  • Downer Group

  • Bunnings Warehouse Port Augusta

  • Australian Supply Group / Roxby Mitre 10 / Bianco

  • SimTel Connect

  • Woomera Observatory

  • Air Force Test Ranges Squadron (AFTRSQN)

  • No. 20 Squadron

  • Defence Australia

  • Andamooka Opal Showroom Underground Opal & Mineral Museum

  • Cal the Stoner Open-Air Sculpture Studio

  • Leila Day Opal & Art

  • Jimmy Dunn and Mick “Inschy” Insch

  • Andrew Tyler, Jono, Harley, Patto and the Opal Evolution Road Crew

These partnerships are helping deliver infrastructure improvements, environmental works and operational capability around the airport.

Support the Next Stage

The next phase of the project includes procurement of a multi-tyre roller and ongoing runway maintenance works, ensuring the airport can be properly compacted and maintained into the future.

AOFTA is currently raising funds and seeking sponsorship support to help deliver this equipment and continue improving the airport.

If you would like to support the Andamooka Airport project, through sponsorship, donations or equipment support, we would love to hear from you.

Contact
Andamooka Opal Fields Tourism Association (AOFTA)  0487 112747 

Looking Ahead

We’re also excited that Andamooka has been included in the Australian Opal Centre’s 2026 Australian Opal Tour itinerary.

The 9-day charter flight adventure, returning on 22 September 2026, visits some of Australia’s most iconic opal fields, and this time Andamooka is on the itinerary.

The tour will land at the new Andamooka Airport (YAMK), bringing serious opal enthusiasts, collectors, gemmologists and adventurers directly to the Andamooka Opal Fields.