Hamilton Island Airport, also known as the Great Barrier Reef Airport is a man’s gateway to Hamilton Island, the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays Islands. It is the main airport for the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. The airport sees an influx of direct flights daily from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, operated by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantaslink. It also caters to private flights and charters. Locally operated helicopters, light planes and seaplanes also grace Hamilton Airport.
The flight landings on the Reef and magnificent Whitehaven Beach are extremely scenic. Hamilton Island Airport is situated south of the Marina at a distance of just five minutes from the resorts. It is the only airport of Whitsundays to be able to handle commercial aircrafts. But the single 1764 metre long and 45 metre wide runway is capable for catering to aircrafts only up to B737/A320. General aviation aircraft needs prior approval for landing. Local operators manage ground handling, aircraft servicing, marshalling and baggage handling services. There is no aerobridge in this airport. Passengers embark and disembark by means of unsheltered stairs.
In the year 2011, Great Barrier Reef Airport served 457,641 passengers, which made it the 19th busiest airport in Australia. Operational facilities of Hamilton Island Airport include one runway, aircraft parking apronsin addition to a large corporate jet aircraft at any given time. The limited space criterion calls for prior parking approval arrangement. Among navigational aids, the airport possesses Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) visual navigational aid and VHF Omni Range (VOR) radio to assist the pilots. Air traffic control is managed by a Control Tower, operated by Airservices Australia, which also provides an airport rescue and fire fighting service.
Hamilton Island Airport has a modern design and is bright and attractive. It has a departure terminal provided with adequate seating arrangement. Airport Bar offers drinks and shops are stocked with snacks and magazines. There is also a separate parents’ room for passengers travelling with children. The airport toilets are disabled friendly. Security is of primary importance at the Great Barrier Reef Airport. The airport authorities strictly follow Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 & Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005. All rules and regulations pertaining to dangerous goods, inappropriate jokes or comments, unattended items and filming and photography should be strictly adhered to avoid grave inconvenience.
It is advisable to allow sufficient time for Baggage check-in and security procedures in the Great Barrier Reef Airport. Complimentary airport transfers or door-to-door service from the airport to your booked accommodation is available for properties, namely, qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and holiday homes booked through Hamilton Island Real Estate. Most of these island resorts are situated just minutes away from the airport.
The flight landings on the Reef and magnificent Whitehaven Beach are extremely scenic. Hamilton Island Airport is situated south of the Marina at a distance of just five minutes from the resorts. It is the only airport of Whitsundays to be able to handle commercial aircrafts. But the single 1764 metre long and 45 metre wide runway is capable for catering to aircrafts only up to B737/A320. General aviation aircraft needs prior approval for landing. Local operators manage ground handling, aircraft servicing, marshalling and baggage handling services. There is no aerobridge in this airport. Passengers embark and disembark by means of unsheltered stairs.
In the year 2011, Great Barrier Reef Airport served 457,641 passengers, which made it the 19th busiest airport in Australia. Operational facilities of Hamilton Island Airport include one runway, aircraft parking apronsin addition to a large corporate jet aircraft at any given time. The limited space criterion calls for prior parking approval arrangement. Among navigational aids, the airport possesses Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) visual navigational aid and VHF Omni Range (VOR) radio to assist the pilots. Air traffic control is managed by a Control Tower, operated by Airservices Australia, which also provides an airport rescue and fire fighting service.
Hamilton Island Airport has a modern design and is bright and attractive. It has a departure terminal provided with adequate seating arrangement. Airport Bar offers drinks and shops are stocked with snacks and magazines. There is also a separate parents’ room for passengers travelling with children. The airport toilets are disabled friendly. Security is of primary importance at the Great Barrier Reef Airport. The airport authorities strictly follow Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 & Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005. All rules and regulations pertaining to dangerous goods, inappropriate jokes or comments, unattended items and filming and photography should be strictly adhered to avoid grave inconvenience.
It is advisable to allow sufficient time for Baggage check-in and security procedures in the Great Barrier Reef Airport. Complimentary airport transfers or door-to-door service from the airport to your booked accommodation is available for properties, namely, qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and holiday homes booked through Hamilton Island Real Estate. Most of these island resorts are situated just minutes away from the airport.
