That was the message Dubbo Regional mayor Ben Shields had for airline carriers this week, following more than $17.5 million worth of upgrades at Dubbo City Regional Airport.

The work includes strengthening of the tarmac, lighting upgrades and four new hangars.

It was funded with $7.4 million from the NSW government, $6.6 million from the federal government and $3.4 million from Dubbo Regional Council.

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There are four carriers currently operating out of Dubbo: FlyPelican, FlyCorporate, QantasLink and Regional Express. They have flights to locations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Newcastle.

However, Cr Shields said he was always open to other airlines operating from Dubbo airport.

“I’m particularly looking at you Virgin. If you want to come to Dubbo? Absolutely,” he said.

Councillor Greg Mohr said hopefully more flights would come into Dubbo airport with the return of the federal government’s subsidies for regional aircraft.

“That’ll bring back our Cobar flight and will also bring back flights from Bourke and Walgett,” Cr Mohr said.

“It’s also very important because people who need medical treatment straight away who don’t qualify to get on the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) can board an aircraft and get straight to Dubbo, receive their treatment and go home without being financially burdened.”

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he would also like to see flights to western areas returned.

“A lot of people that come into this airport have already driven 200 or 300 kilometres. I often drive 400 kilometres to come here and catch a plane to go somewhere else,” he said.

Dubbo was spoilt for choice with the times of day they could catch flights, Mr Coulton said, and he expected the airport would continue to evolve.

“In the 11 years I’ve been involved with this job the changes out here are remarkable. I think we’re on a roll now and that momentum will carry on,” he said.