Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills is delighted the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan offer for the Townsville Airport redevelopment has been confirmed.

“This paves the way for us to move ahead with this important project, which will address capacity issues for Australia’s 11th busiest airport,” he said.

“The redevelopment has been in the pipeline for several years and the NAIF loan looks set to unlock this opportunity for Townsville and North Queensland.”

The project, which will make the airport more modern, welcoming and efficient, includes a substantial terminal refurbishment, better road access and an upgrade to all core infrastructure. Apron works were completed last year.

The development will support 207 construction jobs and 50 operational jobs after the project is complete.

Townsville Airport COO Kevin Gill said the terminal upgrade was overdue and the redevelopment would deliver an airport the community needed and deserved.

“The Townsville Airport terminal was last upgraded in 2003. There is strong support from the community for this project, which has been verified by international planning experts,” he said.

“Given the impact of the flood, news of this project comes at the right time for Townsville.”

Mr Mills said now the NAIF loan had been confirmed, the company’s focus would shift to reactivating project plans and finalising internal approval processes.

He confirmed negotiations would continue with Qantas, as all airline partners would pay their fair share to use the upgraded facilities.

Townsville Airport is part of the Queensland Airports Limited group, which also includes Gold Coast, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.