Brisbane Airport is commencing construction of an Aeromedical Precinct to serve Queenslanders in regional, rural and remote communities

The state-of-the-art project, delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, will enhance emergency response capabilities across the State.

Located between Brisbane Airport’s parallel runways for quick access, the Aeromedical Precinct will be home to aircraft and resources for Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland and Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group.

The A$217m Aeromedical Precinct will have capacity for 26 aircraft and include 18,700m2 of hangar and headquarters space, along with 17,800m2 of tarmac parking. The precinct will provide parking for 450 staff.

There will be 18,700m2 of hangar and headquarters space
There will be 18,700m2 of hangar and headquarters space Queensland Health

“There’s nothing like the scale of Brisbane Airport’s Aeromedical Precinct anywhere in the world. This groundbreaking project will significantly enhance the level of care for Queenslanders needing urgent treatment in Brisbane,” said Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.  

In FY24, the Royal Flying Doctor Service flew 4,611 patients to Brisbane Airport. LifeFlight’s Air Ambulance jets airlifted 528 people, and its helicopters helped 552 people.

A new patient transfer facility will care for people transitioning between aircraft and road ambulances.

“Around 18 patients every day are flown in and out of Brisbane Airport. Those transfers between aircraft and ambulance will now take place inside a patient transfer hub at the core of the Aeromedical Precinct.”

“Currently RFDS, LifeFlight and other emergency agencies are spread across Brisbane Airport, kilometres apart. The Aeromedical Precinct will bring them together in one location, centrally located between our two runways so they can quickly get into the air. Not only will these lifesavers work together, but they’ll also learn from each other.”

The precinct will be located between Brisbane Airport’s parallel runways
The precinct will be located between Brisbane Airport’s parallel runways Queensland Health

The facility will integrate and collate patient aeromedical retrieval and transport, clinical and logistic coordination, including statewide telehealth clinical and education support to rural and remote hospitals. 

The precinct will also feature hangars for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, administration areas, and a medical base for regional patient and donor transfers.

The development will be targeting 5 Star Green Star accreditation and includes a 400kW solar system. A café will provide staff in this growing precinct of the airport with a convenient place to recharge. ADCO Constructions is aiming for the completion of Aeromedical Precinct in December 2026 with 150 people employed on-site during the construction phase of the project, and more than 400 people working here once it is open.

A rendering of the planned precinct in use
A rendering of the planned precinct in use Queensland Health