🇦🇺 Wangaratta Airport

Wangaratta Airport (YWGT (WGT)), located approximately 5 km south of Wangaratta in Laceby, Victoria, Australia, is a public airport operated by the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Type of Facility and Operations: Wangaratta Airport serves as a hub for general aviation, providing facilities for aircraft maintenance, an aero club, emergency services, and occasional flights for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The airport features a public transport apron, a general aviation apron, and grassed tie-down areas for light aircraft. It has two runways: a 1640-meter (5,381 ft) sealed asphalt runway (18/36) and a 530-meter (1,739 ft) grass runway (09/27). Fuel, including Avgas and Jet A1, is available through self-service bowsers.

Notable Features and History: The airport officially opened in 1984, on a site acquired by the City of Wangaratta in 1982. A significant historical feature was "Drage Air World," once considered Australia's largest privately owned aviation museum. However, the museum closed after its founder, Joe Drage, passed away in 2017, and its collection was subsequently sold. As of 2024, the airport is home to several World War II-era warbirds, including a Curtis P-40 Kittyhawk and a Focke-Wulf Fw 190. It also hosts the biennial Wangaratta Historic Motor Show & Fly In, which showcases vintage aircraft alongside historic vehicles.

Current Status: Wangaratta Airport remains operational and actively supports general aviation, emergency services, and RAAF activities. The airport is undergoing ongoing development, with the 2017 Wangaratta Aerodrome Master Plan identifying opportunities for further expansion, including an industrial estate. A new commercial hangar, intended to support the expansion of aviation industry operations, was set for completion in March 2021. As of March 27, 2026, no operational issues have been reported, and the airport maintained 100% on-time performance. Pilots are advised to be aware of potential bird and animal hazards and to check NOTAMs for current information.