THE Whitsunday Coast Airport $800,000 lighting upgrade is now operational, with ground checks and flight testing also completed.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Jenny Whitney said the upgrade was another step towards the airport gaining international status.

"The upgrade provides LED lighting at closer intervals along the runway, modernising the runway lighting and future-proofing the facility," Cr Whitney said.

"The higher intensity LED lights will provide a safer approach for aircraft in lower visibility conditions and during poor weather.

"The new runway lighting system will enhance operations at Whitsunday Coast Airport in adverse weather conditions.

"Whitsunday Coast Airport now has the most modern runway lighting system of any airport in the region," she said.

"The new lighting system will easily cater and adapt for proposed airport operational expansions including the establishment of a fire station, traffic control tower and gaining international status.

"The Whitsunday Coast Airport is the single most important piece of infrastructure in the region to grow tourism and economic development," she said.

"The council is working with airlines and investors to expand existing flight routes, add new routes and develop the airport itself, with the aim of upgrading the airport to international status as the Whitsunday Coast International Export Hub.

"The lighting upgrade is all part of this plan."