Operations at Armidale Airport have once again hit a snag after the facility was scheduled to reopen over the weekend.

The airport had been closed last week after it was revealed that repetitive plant movement during planned scheduled maintenance work had caused underground water to destabilise the runway pavement, making it unsafe for planes to operate.

The airport was to reopen on Sunday, but further inspections of the runway revealed a new soft pavement area requiring another closure.

Armidale Regional Council says the airport remains closed except for aircraft with prior permission to operate.

Flights will continue to operate out of Tamworth Airport and council will provide a bus service from the Armidale Airport to connect with those flights leaving and arriving in Tamworth.

Council says the pavement strength testing results, expected to be conducted today, will determine if the airport remains closed, opens for smaller aircraft, or reopens for unrestricted operations.

If further works are required, they will be undertaken directly. If the test results are good, we will work with our airline partners to reinstate flights directly into Armidale as soon as possible.