Airport lighting malfunction sees flight diverted

Council's airport staff received a call-out on Sunday night after the runway lights malfunctioned.

A REX Flight was diverted to Mildura, the airport was closed, and all relevant air services were notified of the situation.

However at 11.25pm Royal Flying Doctor Service informed airport staff that they had to attend an emergency evacuation in Wilcannia, and Council staff placed emergency lighting across 2.5km of runway to allow the RFDS aircraft take-off, and land again in the early hours of Monday morning.

Council's General Manager, James Roncon, said the lighting complications highlighted the need for funding to upgrade the city's airport.

"An electrical issue tripped a circuit breaker, and the problem was resolved on Monday morning," he said.

"However this really highlights why we need upgrades at the airport sooner rather than later.

"We're dealing with very old infrastructure at the airport, and issues like this become more common as infrastructure ages."

Council is currently seeking around $1.2 million in funding through the State' Government's Resources for Regions Program for airport upgrades, and State Member Kevin Humphries announced last week that the application has been shortlisted.

"That funding would cover new fencing, lighting and a new T-VASIS system for the airport, which would in turn prevent issues like the ones we saw on Sunday night," said Mr Roncon.

"It was very pleasing to hear that we have been shortlisted, it's very important work not just for our passenger aircraft, but for the RFDS who rely on the availability of the facility at all times."