History of Archerfield Airport in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 12, 2025

Archerfield Airport, a leased federal airport located 11-12 km south of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, once served as Brisbane's primary airport but is now secondary. During World War II, it functioned as a Royal Australian Air Force station. Airport traffic reached its highest point in the 1980s. A development plan, including a new parallel runway, was released for public review in December 2010.

1919: Queensland Aero Club Established

The Queensland Aero Club was established in 1919.

1927: Initial Site Survey

In 1927, Captain Lester Brain landed at Franklin's Farm to assess its suitability as an airfield.

1928: Civic Survey Conducted

A Civic Survey was carried out in 1928 by the Brisbane City Council to assess the area which would later become the Archerfield Airport.

July 1929: Archerfield Airport Zoning and Naming

In July 1929, part of Oxley Ward was zoned for noxious trade and renamed "Archerfield" by the Brisbane City Council to differentiate it from surrounding areas.

1929: Initial Land Acquisition and Aerodrome Construction

In 1929, the government acquired around 300 acres of land, constructed two gravel strips, and commenced aerodrome operations.

1930: Land Acquisition

More land was acquired for Archerfield Airport in 1930.

April 1931: Official Opening and Airline Operations

Archerfield Airport officially opened on April 1, 1931, with Qantas moving its operations from Eagle Farm. ANA, Qantas Empire Airways, and later TAA also operated from Archerfield. The Queensland Aero Club also relocated to Archerfield in 1931.

1936: Land Acquisition

Additional land was purchased for the airport in 1936.

1936: Control Tower Designed

The control tower and administrative building for Archerfield Airport were designed in 1936.

1939: RAAF Station Archerfield Established

In 1939, Archerfield became RAAF Station Archerfield, marking its role as a military airfield.

1941: Brisbane's Role in WWII

In 1941, with the ongoing war in the Pacific, Brisbane became a key location for the USAAF Fifth Air Force.

1941: Control Tower Constructed

The control tower and administrative building were constructed in 1941.

April 1942: 21st Troop Carrier Squadron Arrival

The 21st Troop Carrier Squadron arrived at Archerfield in April 1942.

1942: Increased Military Activity at Archerfield

During 1942, Archerfield's importance grew as a logistics and maintenance center, with the arrival of personnel transports and cargo from the United States. The 44th Depot Repair Squadron's work and the 1622d Ordnance and Supply Company's coordination played vital roles.