Roberta Aguirre
Townsville Airport, also known as Townsville International Airport or Garbutt Airport, is a major Australian regional airport in Queensland. The airport is a common-use civilian and defence facility, sharing access with RAAF Base Townsville. In 2011-12, it handled 1.7 million passengers, making it Australia's 11th busiest airport. The airport has a unique passenger mix of tourism, business, defence, and resource industry travellers. It offers various amenities, such as free WiFi, lounges, ATMs, baggage trolleys, baby care facilities, and duty-free shopping. While there are no hotels directly at the airport, accommodation options are available within a 10-15 minute drive in the city. Townsville Airport has experienced fluctuations in its international flight services and competition with Cairns Airport but remains a significant aviation hub for the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport status | International airport status granted in 1980 |
| Passenger traffic | 1.7 million passengers in 2011/12, making it the 11th busiest airport in Australia |
| Passenger mix | Evenly spread between business and leisure, with a unique mix of tourism, business, defence, and resource industry travellers |
| Airlines | Air New Zealand, Airnorth, Hinterland Aviation, Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia, Bonza, Alliance, REX |
| Airport facilities | Free WiFi, ATMs, baggage trolleys, duty-free shopping, family services, lounges, car rental agencies, airport shuttle, taxis |
| Accessibility | Disability Access Facilitation Plan available, assistance for passengers with disabilities |
| Nearby hotels | Hotels within a 10-15 minute drive from the airport |
| Car parks and transportation | $2.7 million upgrade of main car parks and taxi pick-up areas in 2010 |
| Defence use | Common-use civilian and defence facility, shared with RAAF Base Townsville, used for Australian Defence Force operations and relief efforts |
| Mining sector | Major port for fly-in, fly-out mining employment |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Passenger accessibility
Townsville Airport is a major Australian regional airport serving the city of Townsville, Queensland. The airport is committed to ensuring comfortable and hassle-free travel for passengers with accessibility requirements. To that end, it has produced a Disability Access Facilitation Plan, which outlines the services and facilities available for passengers with disabilities.
Passengers with disabilities are advised to contact their chosen airline directly when making a reservation to request assistance and inform them of their needs. This enables the airline to make suitable arrangements at the airport or during the flight. Passengers are also advised to refer to their airline's Conditions of Carriage for detailed information regarding passenger assistance.
In terms of accessibility infrastructure, Townsville Airport provides baggage trolleys, which can be rented for a gold coin (refunded upon return). The airport also offers baby care facilities, including feeding cubicles, change facilities, and dedicated toilet amenities. These facilities are located near the check-in counters, baggage claim, and the ground floor arrivals/departures area of the terminal building.
Additionally, Townsville Airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the airport. ATMs are available landside and airside, although fees from banks may apply. Accessible transportation options to and from the airport include an airport shuttle, metered taxis, and various car rental agencies operating onsite in the arrivals area.
Weed Pens: Airport Security Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Passenger mix
Townsville Airport is a major Australian regional airport, servicing the city of Townsville, Queensland. It is also known as Townsville International Airport or Garbutt Airport, and is a common-use civilian and defence facility, sharing access with RAAF Base Townsville. The airport is a gateway to North Queensland, welcoming 1.6 million passengers in FY23, with a unique passenger mix of tourism, business, defence, and resource industry travellers.
The airport's passenger mix is evenly spread between business and leisure, providing year-round market stability. Townsville's inbound tourism market is growing, with new visitor experiences such as the North Queensland Stadium and the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). The airport also serves the fly-in, fly-out mining employment sector, contributing to a dramatic acceleration in passenger numbers since the mining boom began in 2004.
Townsville Airport is serviced by major Australian domestic and regional airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Airnorth, Hinterland Aviation, Alliance, and REX. The airport has also been used for relief efforts following natural disasters, such as Cyclone Larry in 2006, and as a staging point for Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.
In terms of passenger demographics, Townsville Airport caters to a diverse range of travellers, including those from the agriculture and resource sectors, military personnel, and university students or staff. The city of Townsville itself is North Queensland's largest population base, with over 193,000 residents, making it a hub for industry and investment in the region.
Overall, Townsville Airport's passenger mix reflects the city's diverse industries and attractions, catering to both business and leisure travellers, as well as those involved in defence and resource sectors. The airport's convenient location and range of airline options contribute to its appeal for different types of passengers.
Lax Airport: Safe Haven or Nighttime Danger?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport facilities
Townsville Airport, also known as Townsville International Airport or Garbutt Airport, is a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Townsville, Queensland. It is a common-use civilian and defence facility, sharing access with RAAF Base Townsville. The airport is served by several major Australian domestic and regional airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Airnorth, Hinterland Aviation, and Alliance.
Townsville Airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here are some key facilities available at the airport:
Transportation: An airport shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off passengers at hotels or the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. This shuttle must be booked in advance. Car rental agencies such as Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, and Thrifty operate onsite in the arrivals area. Metered taxis are also readily available at a taxi rank in the arrivals area, with a $3.50 fee for each trip to and from the airport.
Parking and Accessibility: The airport has undergone upgrades to its main car parks and taxi pick-up areas, with a $2.7 million investment in 2010. A Disability Access Facilitation Plan has been implemented to assist passengers with accessibility requirements, ensuring comfortable and hassle-free travel.
Lounges and WiFi: While there are no 24-hour food concessions, passengers can access lounges through membership programs such as the Qantas Club. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected during their wait.
ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are available landside and airside for passenger convenience. Fees from your bank may apply for withdrawals. Currency exchange services are not available at the airport.
Duty-Free and Shopping: Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping at Aelia and a Relay convenience store for last-minute purchases.
Family Services: Baby care facilities are conveniently located near check-in counters, baggage claim, and the ground floor arrivals/departures area. These include feeding cubicles with changing facilities, toilet facilities, a nappy disposal unit, and a wash basin.
Baggage Trolleys: Baggage trolleys are available for a gold coin, which is refunded upon the cart's return, making it easier for passengers to manage their luggage.
Airports at Night: Open or Shut Down?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport to/from the airport
Townsville Airport (IATA: TSV, ICAO: YBTL), also known as Townsville International Airport or Garbutt Airport, is a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Townsville, Queensland. The airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation.
Airport Shuttle
An airport shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off passengers at hotels or the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. This service operates seven days a week, but it must be booked in advance through the shuttle website.
Taxi
Metered taxis are readily available for hire at a taxi rank in the airport's arrivals area. A $3.50 fee is charged on top of the regular fare for each trip to and from the airport.
Car Rental
Several car rental agencies operate onsite in the arrivals area, offering a convenient option for passengers who prefer to drive themselves. The following rental car companies are available: Alamo/Enterprise/National, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, and Thrifty.
Public Transport
Townsville Airport does not provide information on public transportation options to and from the airport. However, as the airport is located within the city of Townsville, passengers can likely use local bus or train services to travel to and from the airport.
Driving and Parking
Townsville Airport has undergone significant upgrades to its main car parks and taxi pick-up areas, ensuring convenient access for those choosing to drive. The airport is easily accessible by car, and parking options are available for those who need to leave their vehicles for extended periods.
Shinkansen Convenience: Direct Access to Fukuoka Airport?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.97 $29.99
Airport history
Townsville Airport, also known as Townsville International Airport or Garbutt Airport, is a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Townsville, Queensland. The airport is a common-use civilian and defence facility, sharing access with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville.
The first Townsville Airport was established in the 1920s in the Thuringowa Shire south of the Ross River, in what is now the suburb of Murray. It was licensed as a civil airport in 1930 but was not ideal due to boggy ground and limited space. In 1938, a larger site was chosen within the City of Townsville, and the new Townsville Airport officially opened on 1 February 1939. The airport was soon planned for expansion as an RAAF base, and construction of the base began in early 1940, with the first operational unit occupying it in October of that year.
During World War II, the airfield was expanded to accommodate US Army Air Corps bombers and transport aircraft. All three runways were sealed, and the southeast runway was extended to 5,000 feet. The defence establishment in the region grew significantly during this time, with five other military airfields constructed nearby. To avoid confusion, the RAAF base was renamed RAAF Base Garbutt after the nearby railway siding. The civil airport retained the name Townsville Airport.
In the post-war years, Townsville Airport experienced a progressive increase in passenger numbers and aircraft movements, with services operated by Qantas, Trans Australia Airlines (TAA), Australian National Airways (ANA), and Ansett Australia. Airport growth accelerated in the mid-1960s, with TAA and Ansett introducing more frequent and modern aircraft services.
Townsville Airport was granted international airport status in 1980, leading to substantial growth in international traffic during the early 1980s. However, this growth was short-lived due to market restructuring and competition with Cairns Airport. Townsville Airport faced a hiatus from handling direct civil international flights, with the last Qantas international service in 2002. International flights resumed in 2010 with services to Bali, but these were interrupted by airline insolvencies and low passenger numbers.
Despite the challenges with international flights, Townsville Airport remains a significant regional airport. In 2011-2012, it handled 1.7 million passengers, making it the 11th busiest airport in Australia. The airport continues to serve as a staging point for Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations and has been crucial in coordinating relief efforts following natural disasters, such as Cyclone Larry in 2006.
Setting Up an Airport Express with Belkin Router
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Townsville Airport is accessible for people with disabilities. Passengers with disabilities are requested to contact their airline directly when making a reservation and advise them of their requirements. The airline will then inform and make suitable arrangements at the airport or during the flight to assist the passenger.
Townsville Airport's passenger mix is evenly spread between business and leisure, providing year-round market stability. The airport is a gateway to North Queensland and welcomes over 1.6 million passengers a year, including tourists, business travellers, defence personnel, and resource industry workers.
Townsville Airport offers free WiFi, ATMs, baggage trolleys, baby care facilities, and duty-free shopping. There are also lounges accessible through lounge membership programs, and food concessions such as Maggies' Cafe and The Brewery.
Passengers can use the airport shuttle service, which operates daily to and from hotels and the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Car rental agencies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Hertz are also available onsite. Additionally, metered taxis can be hired from the taxi rank in the airport's arrivals area.
