Great Barrier Reef Airport

Airport overview

The main air hub for the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island Airport is the islands’ only airport with the facilities and capacity to cater for commercial aircraft.

The airport’s single runway and main parking apron are suitable for up to B737/A320 aircraft, with additional parking for corporate jets. Prior parking approval is required for general aviation aircraft. Aviation fuel is available at the airport, and the schedule of fees and charges includes landing and passenger service fees.

Ground handling, aircraft servicing, marshalling and baggage handling services are provided by local operators. As a security controlled airport, the requirements of the Aviation Transport Security Act and Regulations apply to airside activities. During operational periods the main apron is a Security Restricted Area. Security measures include the screening of aircraft crew and passengers.

Operational facilities

Runways and Taxiways
There is one runway at Great Barrier Reef Airport to cater for aircraft traffic.  The main runway (Runway 14/32) is 1764m long and 45m wide and is suitable for aircraft up to B737/A320 size.

Aircraft parking aprons
Airline aircraft are catered for on the main parking apron where four B737/A320 size aircraft, plus a large corporate jet type aircraft can be parked at any given time. Space is limited for General Aviation aircraft parking Great Barrier Reef Airport suggests you arrange prior parking approval.

Navigational aids
The airport has a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) visual navigational aid and VHF Omni Range (VOR) radio aids to pilots.

Air traffic control
The airport has a Control Tower which is operated by Airservices Australia.  The Tower operating hours are published in NOTAM.

Airport rescue and firefighting
A rescue and fire fighting service is provided for all airline flights by Airservices Australia.

Further details
Further details of the facilities for pilots are contained in Airservices Australia publications; En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA), and Departure and Approach Paths-East (DAP-East).  Pilots should access this information through the Airservices Australia website www.airservicesaustralia.com and their Pilot Centre.

Aircraft fees and charges

 View the schedule of fees and charges for general aviation
 View the schedule of fees and charges for Commercial and Charter Aircraft

Itinerant aircraft parking approvals

Pilots should note the requirements stated in ERSA in relation to parking of aircraft at Great Barrier Reef Airport.  (Note that Great Barrier Reef Airport‘s entry in ERSA is under HAMILTON ISLAND) Parking space is limited and approvals must be obtained in advance for aircraft over 5700kg, light jet and turbine aircraft.

To request aircraft parking please complete and submit the applicable form: 

 Airport Parking request form for Commercial and Charter Aircraft
 Great Barrier Reef Airport Landing Request Form
 Hamilton Island Air Parking Request Form

When requesting a parking approval the following information is required:

• Name of operator
• Phone number (preferably 24 hour)/ fax number
• Aircraft Type
• Aircraft registration number
• ETA/ETD
• Origin/destination
• Special requirements – eg VIP passengers
• Passenger numbers in/out
• Handling agent (for aircraft requiring marshalling or other ground handling services)

Ground handling

Larger aircraft using the main apron will be marshalled into position to their approved bay, due to the requirement to maintain safe clearances for airline operations.  Aircraft servicing, marshalling, and baggage handling services can be provided by local operators. GBRA does not provide an aircraft marshalling service.  Marshalling services can be provided by calling Skystar (07) 4946 9247 or Airline Handling Agency (07) 4946 9675.

Main apron security requirements

Great Barrier Reef Airport is a security controlled airport.  The requirements of the Aviation Transport Security Act and Regulations apply to airside activities.

The airside of the airport is security controlled and therefore a valid Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) must be worn at all times by visiting pilots.  Further detail on security requirements for your visit can be obtained by contacting the Airport Operations Officer.

The main apron is a Security Restricted Area during the operational period of the airlines.  As such security measures including the screening of itinerant aircraft crew and their passengers, and the inspection of items going to the main apron may apply.  Pilots are responsible for the close escort of passengers to and from the terminal building, and ensuring separation from screened airline passengers.

Fuel

Aviation fuel is available from Shell on Tel/Fax (07) 4646 8729 or 0412 936 177

Contacts

Contact details for Airport Operations are detailed in ERSA.