A big idea for a small shire has turned 40, and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport wants your memories to mark the milestone.
The airport celebrates its 40th birthday on Monday, 26 October.
A crowd of 2,000 turned out to watch the first commercial flight in 1986. More than 10 million passengers have used the airport since.
Passenger numbers have soared from about 16,500 in 1987/88 to close to 600,000 in 2025/26. The terminal has been expanded twice and the runway upgraded.
The story began in 1980, when Ballina Shire Council bought the land. Former Shire President Graham Ellis recalls Shire Engineer Peter Thorpe telling him it could “maybe be an airport one day”.
Council’s own team designed and built the airport, and it won a national innovation award in 1989.
Today Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia fly to Sydney and Melbourne. The airport is also a hub for emergency services.
“Ballina Byron Gateway Airport started as a big idea for a small shire, and it has grown into something the whole Northern Rivers can be proud of,” said Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader.
Airport Manager Julie Stewart said the milestone belonged to everyone who had helped along the way.
“We have our airport staff, tenants, airline partners and, most of all, our community to thank for how far the airport has come in 40 years,” said Airport Manager Julie Stewart.
Council is now asking locals to share their photos and stories from the early days.
“If you were there in 1986 or have photos tucked away at home, we’d love to hear from you,” Ms Stewart said.
To share your memories, email Airport.Enquiries@ballina.nsw.gov.au.
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