🇦🇺 Bairnsdale Airport

Bairnsdale Airport (IATA: BSJ, ICAO: YBNS) is a public airport located 7km southwest of Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia, and is operated by the East Gippsland Shire Council.

Type of facility and operations: The airport is certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and accommodates various operations including emergency services (Air Ambulance Victoria, Victorian Police Airwing, aerial firefighting), recreational flights, local and corporate charter flights, flight school training, minor aircraft maintenance, Angel Flight services, and aerial surveying. It has two asphalt runways, 04/22 (1,101m) and 13/31 (850m). Fuel (JET A1 and AVGAS) is available 24/7 via self-service.

Notable features or history: Originally established as RAAF Station Bairnsdale around 1939, it served as a training establishment during World War II, hosting No. 1 Operational Training Unit and the General Reconnaissance School. It transitioned to a civil airport around 1954. The airport was awarded National Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year by the Australian Airports Association in both 2018 and 2022. It features 24/7 CCTV with number plate recognition for restricted airside access. The East Gippsland Aero Club, formed by members of the Gippsland Ultralight and Leisure Flyers (GULF), has clubrooms in one of the old RAAF World War II hangars.

Current status: The Bairnsdale Airport Master Plan, endorsed in August 2020, guides its development to support existing economic and community activities and maximize future opportunities. Key objectives include protecting and directing development for larger aircraft, supporting emergency services, and exploring commercial opportunities. Recent and ongoing projects include replacing aging water mains and plans for extending, widening, and strengthening the main runway to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft, including potential commercial passenger services. The airport also supports non-aviation uses such as grazing, agricultural research, motor sports, and the East Gippsland Field Days.

*Sources researched: eastgippsland.vic.gov.au, en.wikipedia.org, lar.aero, yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au, countryairstrips.com.au*