The airfield now functions as a base for aerial firefighting aircraft to protect the outer rural suburbs of Darwin.

[2] On 5 September 2011, the Hughes Airfield was added to the Northern Territory Heritage Register.

[3] On 25 January 2012, the Northern Territory Government awarded a contract to repair and resurface the airstrip to Downer EDI Works.

[5] In addition to the resurfacing works, a water tank has also been installed on site, allowing mobile pumps to be used to load firefighting aircraft.

While no formal commitment to building a new general aviation facility in the Greater Darwin area has yet been made by the Northern Territory Government, the runway alignment of 11/29 at Hughes is the preferred option for such a concept.