Mount Isa's Airport: Does It Exist?

Mount Isa Airport (ISA/YBMA) is a regional airport serving Mount Isa, a city in western Queensland, Australia. The airport is served by several scheduled regional airlines, including Qantas, and offers flights to various destinations across Queensland, including Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns. Mount Isa Airport provides essential services and amenities to travellers, such as 24-hour parking, car rental services, and baggage facilities, and plays a significant role in the region's connectivity and development.

Mount Isa Airport's location and ownership

Mount Isa Airport is located in Queensland, Australia, and serves the western Queensland city of Mount Isa, which is known as "The Isa" by locals. The airport is situated just 7 kilometers from the city centre, on the banks of the Leichardt River. It is set against the backdrop of the red terrain, with the city providing a dramatic green contrast. Mount Isa itself has a population of nearly 25,000 people and is a significant cosmopolitan centre in the region, with over 50 different nationalities represented.

The airport is at an elevation of 1,121 feet (342 meters) above sea level and has a single runway designated as 16/34. The runway is made of asphalt and measures 2,560 meters by 45 meters (8,399 feet by 148 feet). The airport is owned by Queensland Airports, which also owns and operates Townsville Airport, Longreach Airport, and Gold Coast Airport.

Mount Isa Airport is served by several regional airlines, offering scheduled flights to various destinations within Queensland, including Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns, among other regional centres. The airport is also a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of nine such bases in Queensland. During the 2010-2011 financial year, the airport handled a significant number of passengers, with a total of 217,525, which marked a 25.1% increase from the previous year.

The airport has played a crucial role in emergency response efforts, such as during the 2019 North West Queensland floods, when it served as a base for relief operations. Mount Isa Airport has a notable place in Australia's aviation history, as it was the departure point for a Vickers Viscount aircraft in 1966 that unfortunately met with a tragic accident.

Airlines operating from Mount Isa Airport

Mount Isa Airport (ISA/YBMA) is located in Queensland, Australia, and serves the western city of Mount Isa. The airport is served by several regional airlines, providing scheduled flights to various destinations within the region.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1966 when a Vickers Viscount aircraft departed from Mount Isa Airport with twenty passengers on board, bound for Brisbane via Longreach. Unfortunately, this flight ended in tragedy when an engine fire spread to the fuel tank, causing the aircraft to crash west of Winton, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

Today, Mount Isa Airport caters to a variety of airlines, including Rex Airlines, which offers flights to Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns, among other regional centres. Rex Airlines has a strong presence at Mount Isa Airport, even though the airline has faced administrative challenges. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

The airport is also a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of nine such bases in Queensland. This service provides essential medical support to the region. In recent years, the airport has also played a crucial role in relief efforts during the 2019 North West Queensland floods, showcasing its importance to the community.

Mount Isa Airport is owned by Queensland Airports, which also manages Townsville Airport, Longreach Airport, and Gold Coast Airport. With a substantial increase in passenger numbers over the years, the airport has cemented its position as a significant gateway to the region.

Facilities available at the airport

Mount Isa Airport (ISA/YBMA) serves the western Queensland city of Mount Isa in Australia. The airport is located 3.4 nautical miles (6.3 km or 3.9 miles) north of the city. It is served by a variety of scheduled regional airlines, offering flights to Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns, as well as several other regional centres.

Mount Isa Airport provides essential facilities for travellers passing through. The terminal features an automatic teller machine (ATM) situated in the arrivals area, opposite the rental car booths, allowing access to most major banking accounts. The airport also offers free WiFi throughout the terminal, keeping passengers connected during their wait. For refreshments, there is the Cloverleaf bar and café, located in the departures lounge after security, serving hot and cold beverages and light snacks, with opening times corresponding to the flight schedule. Vending machines are also available near the baggage carousels for additional convenience during terminal opening hours.

The airport provides essential amenities, including male and female toilets, as well as a dedicated Parent's Room, which offers a changing table, wash basin, and nappy disposal facilities. Wheelchair access is provided throughout the terminal, ensuring accessibility for all passengers. Luggage trolleys are available to assist with baggage, and strict security regulations are in place, including a prohibition on leaving luggage unattended.

While Mount Isa Airport does not have a Qantas Club or Virgin Lounge, it provides a range of services to cater to the needs of departing and arriving passengers. The airport's facilities are designed to offer convenience, comfort, and accessibility to all travellers passing through.

Mount Isa's history and population

Mount Isa, or "The Isa" as locals call it, is a city in the Gulf Country region of Queensland, Australia. The city was founded due to the vast mineral deposits found in the area, and Mount Isa Mines (MIM) is one of the most productive single mines in world history for lead, silver, copper, and zinc. The city's industry is largely dependent on mining, and the population has grown in recent years due to the mining boom.

Long before European contact, the Mount Isa region was a centre for trade and production of dolerite and basalt stone tools and objects. There is evidence of ground-edge stone tools as old as 20,000 years, which are the earliest in the world, originating from Mount Isa quarries. As of about 1,000 years ago, large, ground-edge stone axes from Mount Isa were particularly prized by the peoples of the Lake Eyre Basin and were often traded for the tobacco plant pituri.

In the 2021 census, Mount Isa had a population of 18,317 people, making it the administrative, commercial, and industrial centre for the state's vast north-western region. The city's water is supplied from Lake Moondarra, 13 km (8.1 mi) away, and from Lake Julius, 60 km (37 mi) away. Mount Isa is home to the School of the Air, a unique Australian way of schooling isolated students in the country's vast, lightly populated areas. The city also holds the main campus of the Mount Isa Institute of TAFE, offering courses in mining, agriculture, and trades. James Cook University also has a presence in the city, with the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health in the Base Hospital complex.

Mount Isa has several heritage-listed sites, including the World War II-era Mount Isa Underground Hospital, which is registered on the Register of the National Estate and the Queensland Heritage Register. It was created as a precautionary measure after Darwin was bombed in 1942 and is the only underground health facility in Queensland built during World War II. The Mount Isa Rodeo has been held annually since 1959 and is the largest annual rodeo event in the Southern Hemisphere. The event includes street parties, music, market stalls, and family entertainment, and it often triples the city's population during the festivities.

Mount Isa Airport's role in relief efforts

Mount Isa Airport (ISA) is an airport serving the western Queensland city of Mount Isa in Australia. The airport is served by a variety of scheduled regional airlines, with flights to Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns, as well as several other regional centres. The airport is also one of the nine Queensland bases for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

In the 2010-11 financial year, Mount Isa Airport handled 217,525 passengers, a notable 25.1% increase over the previous year. The airport has played a crucial role in relief efforts, specifically during the 2019 North West Queensland floods. During this time, the airport served as a base for relief operations, providing much-needed support to the affected areas.

Mount Isa Airport has also demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport community implemented measures to ensure business continuity and staff welfare, including segregation of frontline operational staff into work teams and strict sanitisation processes. Additionally, the airport maintained its operational capabilities, with Rex Airlines continuing its services from Mount Isa Airport, providing essential travel options for the region.

The airport is a significant hub for the region, with a diverse population representing over 50 nationalities. Mount Isa itself is known for its annual Rotary Rodeo, the largest in the southern hemisphere, attracting visitors and tourists alike. The airport's role in relief efforts, combined with its regular operations, showcases its importance to the community and the surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions