Burketown's rebuilt airport will reopen with a free community concert in October after the runway was upgraded following major flooding that affected the Gulf community in 2023.

Runway Under The Stars will feature East Arnhem Land band King Stingray, Doomadgee Indigenous rock-reggae band DMC Boys and Sunshine Coast group Dream Thieves on Saturday, October 10.

The redevelopment has been completed by Durack Civil alongside Burke Shire Council, with the airport playing a key role in passenger travel, health services, freight and emergency access for the remote community.

Gangalidda man Mangubadijarri Yanner, from Moungibi and a spokesperson for the Carpentaria Land Council, said the upgraded runway would provide greater security during future wet seasons.

"It's an important and much-needed development, especially after the flooding and isolation we experienced in 2023 with the more-than-100-year flood," Mr Yanner said.

"That was devastating for our community.

"We're cut off every year, pretty much — it just depends on the length and severity of the floods."

The 2023 floods forced most of Burketown's population to evacuate, while fewer than 50 people remained to help protect belongings, care for animals and support local businesses.

Around half a dozen homes were completely inundated, while damage and flooding also affected the airport and the delivery of essential supplies.

Mr Yanner said the inability to use the runway meant supplies had to be brought into areas around the town by helicopter.

"The town was flooded, but the airport and deliveries were affected as well," Mr Yanner said.

"We had to helicopter water, food and other supplies into areas around town because we couldn't use the tarmac.

"Upgrading the airport so the tarmac doesn't go under is significant."

The upgraded runway is intended to improve access during the wet season, when flooding can isolate Burketown from surrounding communities and major centres.

Mr Yanner said keeping the airport operating during those periods could have consequences well beyond transport.

"It will have a life-changing, and in some ways life-saving, impact here," he said.

"Weather events are intensifying and becoming more frequent, and if it happens again — and I'm sure it will — we'll be far better placed to respond in a sustainable and effective way."

The airport is also used by aeromedical services to bring doctors and specialists into the community and support emergency evacuations, while regular air services provide an important connection for residents and businesses.

Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp said improving the airport would strengthen the community's ability to cope with future wet seasons.

"The airport is a vital asset to our residents and businesses: our only regular passenger service is via air, aeromedical services support our local health service with access to doctors, specialists and emergency evacuations and being able to access larger centres for personal, health and business needs in a timely manner is important for community and during the wet season air is often the only accessible option for getting people, goods and services to/from Burketown," Mayor Camp said.

The improved runway could also support contractors, service providers, family visits and tourism during periods when road access is limited.

Mr Yanner said having reliable year-round access could strengthen health, education and economic opportunities for the community.

"Having the runway available year-round means contractors can come in to complete works, medical and other service providers can reach the community, family can visit, and tourists can experience the wet season in remote outback areas," he said.

"That makes a real difference socially and economically, particularly through better access to health and education."

The reopening celebration will see the rebuilt airport temporarily transformed into an outdoor concert venue before returning to normal operations.

DMC Boys released their debut EP Yugurlda People earlier this year, while King Stingray are known for their self-described Yolŋu surf rock sound.

Runway Under The Stars will begin at 3pm at Burketown Airport, with free entry and camping available.