Construction of Brisbane Airport’s Aeromedical Precinct has reached the halfway mark, bringing regional, remote and rural Queensland communities closer to critical medical and emergency services.
Brisbane Airport is delivering the $217 million construction project, with the Queensland Government investing $430 million into the precinct in operational costs over the next two decades as part of an ongoing partnership.
The mammoth precinct spans 700 metres, equivalent to the length of the Domestic Terminal, and will be Australia’s largest dedicated aeromedical facility.
More than 700 tonnes of steel, 2,500 piles and 300 tilt panels have been used across an 18,700m² footprint since construction began in 2025.
Located between Brisbane Airport’s parallel runways for quick access, the Aeromedical Precinct will be home to aircraft and resources for critical services by Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) and Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group.
Brisbane Airport’s 24/7 operations are vital to Queensland’s aeromedical network, providing unrestricted access for emergency medical flights day and night.
In the past year to June, a total of 7,207 patients from 60 regional, rural and remote Queensland communities were flown in and out of Brisbane Airport for care by the Royal Flying Doctor.
The Brisbane-based LifeFlight helicopter crew helped 603 people while the jets aided 405 people.
This once-in-a-generation aeromedical development will serve as a vital hub to connect the community with enhanced door-to-door medical evacuation services.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the Aeromedical Precinct reinforced Brisbane Airport’s role as a critical gateway for emergency medical services.
“In a state as vast as Queensland, aeromedical services play a vital role in keeping communities connected to healthcare, regardless of where they live,” he said.
“Behind every aeromedical flight is a patient, a family and a highly skilled team working against the clock. We’re proud to support these vital operations that save lives every day.
“This precinct located strategically between our runways is all about the people of Queensland and ensuring they have the connectivity to access vital healthcare and emergency services.”
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the hub would serve the people of Queensland, in every corner of the state.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to providing easier access to health care for all Queenslanders no matter where they live, and the new Aeromedical Precinct is a vital part of delivering that,” Minister Nicholls said.
The Aeromedical Precinct is due to be completed and operational next year.
Aeromedical Precinct features:
· Capacity for 26 aircraft and 17,800m² of tarmac parking.
· Patient transfer facilities to move patients between aircraft and ambulances.
· 18,700m² of hangar and administration space, equivalent to the size of King George Square.
· Medical base for regional patient and donor transfers.
· Parking for 450 staff and an onsite cafe.
· Targeting 5 Star Green Star accreditation and includes a 400kW solar system.
· Access to 24/7 operations at Brisbane Airport
The Aeromedical Precinct forms part of Future BNE, Brisbane Airport’s $5 billion investment program over five years, building the capacity and capability needed to support Queensland’s growth for decades to come.
