Australia is a vast and diverse country, with a well-developed aviation network that connects its major cities, regional towns, and international destinations. The country has a total of 30 major airports, each serving as a gateway to its surrounding regions and beyond. In this article, we'll explore Australia's major airports, their features, and the services they offer.
What are Australia's Major Airports?
Australia's major airports are categorized into three main groups: primary airports, secondary airports, and international airports. Primary airports are the largest and busiest airports, serving as hubs for major airlines and handling a significant volume of passenger traffic. Secondary airports are smaller but still play a crucial role in connecting regional areas to the national aviation network. International airports, on the other hand, are equipped to handle international flights and offer customs and immigration facilities.
Primary Airports in Australia
There are eight primary airports in Australia, each serving as a major hub for airlines and handling a significant volume of passenger traffic.
- Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD): Located in the heart of Sydney, this airport is the busiest in Australia, handling over 40 million passengers per year.
- Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL): Serving as the primary airport for Melbourne, this airport handles over 35 million passengers per year.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Located in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, this airport handles over 22 million passengers per year.
- Perth Airport (PER): Serving as the primary airport for Western Australia, this airport handles over 12 million passengers per year.
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, this airport handles over 7 million passengers per year.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL): Located in the southern suburbs of the Gold Coast, this airport handles over 6 million passengers per year.
- Cairns Airport (CNS): Serving as the primary airport for Far North Queensland, this airport handles over 4 million passengers per year.
- Hobart International Airport (HBA): Located in the southern suburbs of Hobart, this airport handles over 2 million passengers per year.
Secondary Airports in Australia
There are 12 secondary airports in Australia, each serving as a vital connection between regional areas and the national aviation network.
- Newcastle Airport (NTL): Located in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, this airport handles over 1 million passengers per year.
- Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): Located in the southern suburbs of the Sunshine Coast, this airport handles over 1 million passengers per year.
- Launceston Airport (LST): Serving as the primary airport for northern Tasmania, this airport handles over 500,000 passengers per year.
- Mackay Airport (MKY): Located in the southern suburbs of Mackay, this airport handles over 500,000 passengers per year.
- Rockhampton Airport (ROK): Serving as the primary airport for central Queensland, this airport handles over 400,000 passengers per year.
- Townsville Airport (TSV): Located in the northern suburbs of Townsville, this airport handles over 400,000 passengers per year.
- Devonport Airport (DPO): Serving as the primary airport for northern Tasmania, this airport handles over 300,000 passengers per year.
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK): Located in the northern suburbs of Ballina, this airport handles over 200,000 passengers per year.
- Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS): Serving as the primary airport for the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, this airport handles over 200,000 passengers per year.
- Albury Airport (ABX): Located in the southern suburbs of Albury, this airport handles over 100,000 passengers per year.
- Wagga Wagga Airport (WGA): Serving as the primary airport for the Riverina region of New South Wales, this airport handles over 100,000 passengers per year.
- Canberra Airport (CBR): Located in the southern suburbs of Canberra, this airport handles over 3 million passengers per year.
International Airports in Australia
There are 10 international airports in Australia, each equipped to handle international flights and offer customs and immigration facilities.
- Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD): Located in the heart of Sydney, this airport is the busiest in Australia, handling over 40 million passengers per year.
- Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL): Serving as the primary airport for Melbourne, this airport handles over 35 million passengers per year.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Located in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, this airport handles over 22 million passengers per year.
- Perth Airport (PER): Serving as the primary airport for Western Australia, this airport handles over 12 million passengers per year.
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, this airport handles over 7 million passengers per year.
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL): Located in the southern suburbs of the Gold Coast, this airport handles over 6 million passengers per year.
- Cairns Airport (CNS): Serving as the primary airport for Far North Queensland, this airport handles over 4 million passengers per year.
- Hobart International Airport (HBA): Located in the southern suburbs of Hobart, this airport handles over 2 million passengers per year.
- Darwin International Airport (DRW): Serving as the primary airport for the Northern Territory, this airport handles over 2 million passengers per year.
- Auckland Airport (AKL): Located in the southern suburbs of Auckland, this airport handles over 1 million passengers per year.
Gallery of Australian Airports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the busiest airport in Australia?
+Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport (SYD) is the busiest airport in Australia, handling over 40 million passengers per year.
How many international airports are there in Australia?
+There are 10 international airports in Australia, each equipped to handle international flights and offer customs and immigration facilities.
What is the primary airport for Melbourne?
+Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the primary airport for Melbourne, handling over 35 million passengers per year.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of Australia's major airports. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, understanding the country's aviation network can help you plan your trip more efficiently.