A new Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) report, published yesterday, shows the growth rate at regional airports outstripped the growth at major city airports for the first time last year.

The average growth rate for regional airports was 6.1 per cent in 2011, compared to 5.7 per cent for the major cities.

In Bathurst, 26,999 passengers passed through the airport, up from 25,545 the previous year.

This included 16,644 inbound passengers and 13,355 outbound passengers.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the BITRE figures showed the long-term outlook for regional aviation and airline operators was very positive.

“The industry has consistently shown it can adapt to the growing reliance of Australians on aviation both for business and leisure, as well as continuing its important role in delivering vital services to regional communities,” he said.

Most of the growth in passenger numbers on regional air routes was due to more people travelling between major cities and regional areas.

However, the number of airlines serving regional airports continues to fall, to 28 in 2010 from 33 in 2005, the BITRE said. Just one airline, Regional Express, flies in and out of Bathurst.

Mr Albanese announced the government will spend $5.4 billion to upgrade 31 airstrips in remote areas in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, NSW, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Work on the first of these projects will begin next month.

The work will include installing pilot-activated solar airstrip lighting, clearing trees and shrubs, repairing runways and improving fencing and drainage.

Mr Albanese said the upgrades would help air services, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australia Post and freight and transport services, continue operating in isolated regions.