Mackay Airport served 763,000 passengers in 2017 and has experienced steady growth thanks to the popularity of its carriers QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, which collectively operate several services a day.
Located 7km from Mackay city centre in central Queensland, it serves Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton with nonstop flights and has good onward connections to the rest of the nation.
In terms of inbound travellers, the Mackay Region welcomed 54,000 international visitors in 2018, who contributed $15.9 million to the economy. MKY has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mackay Tourism Limited and the partnership between the two entities is aimed at stimulating the interest of domestic and international tourists attracted to the area’s unique wildlife and outstanding natural beauty.
MKY is a vital driver for the region’s growth and The Mackay Airport Land Use Plan includes a $900 million redevelopment of the airport over the coming two decades which will maximise the airport’s potential in terms of tourist and business travellers as well as freight and commerce.
If you’re passing through and need to fill your belly or quench your thirst, there are plenty of options to tantalise your taste buds. You’ll find gourmet coffees, refreshing beers and wines, succulent chicken and fresh fruit smoothies, to name but a few of the fabulous options on offer.
In terms of retail therapy, there are options for topping up your personal stock of travel tech and for grabbing a bestseller or absorbing magazine to while away the time while you fly or on the beach when you arrive.
Mackay is well integrated with its local community and even operates a Community Grants Program that provides $1000 grants which local sports, arts and cultural organisations can use to buy equipment, launch projects or organise events.
The airport is also committed to sustainable growth, as evidenced by it reaching the Bronze Benchmarking Requirement of the EarthCheck Company standard. Its recent $1.3 million upgrade to LED energy saving lighting across its complete apron is the first of its kind in Australia and management is fully committed to maintaining green growth in the future.
Mackay Airport MKY location and transport links
Mackay Airport is located in South Mackay in Queensland – Australia’s second-biggest state by land area and third-largest in terms of population. It’s just 7km from the centre of the city of Mackay and well appointed with transport links.
In terms of public transport, buses are your best bet. Translink are operating a trial bus service from Mackay Central Business District (CBD) – the Translink runs from Mackay city centre to the airport 11 times daily Monday to Friday and four times on Saturdays. Visit Translink.com.au for timetable info.
Meanwhile, you can reach Mackay CBD from almost anywhere in Australia with national coach service Greyhound – call 1300 473 946 for more information on departures and bookings in your local area.
Private bus transfers from MKY to popular tourist areas like the Whitsundays can also be arranged – check online for recommended firms and pre-book to secure the most reasonable deals for you and your party.
If you’re driving to Mackay Airport from the CBD or further afield, set your SatNav for Mackay Airport (MKY), Boundary Road East, East Mackay QLD 4740.
Mackay Airport (MKY) History
Mackay Airport’s history stretches back to 1920, when trailblazing aviators Lieutenant AW Murphy and Corporal RG Simpson landed their prototype aeroplane at the Ooralea Racecourse after a 130km flight from Proserpine.
In 1927, Captain Ron Adair landed his plane on Mackay town common and chose the site for the proposed aerodrome, which commenced commercial flights in 1930.
In 1941, the Australian Federal Government took ownership of MKY from Mackay City Council, ownership was transferred again to Mackay Port Authority in 1989 and private entity North Queensland Airports assumed ownership in 2008.
A $20 million upgrade project was completed in 2011, which included work on the terminal, car parks, lighting, runway and surrounding road network. Additionally, a $30 million Ibis on-airport hotel opened in 2015.
MKY has a single runway which is 1980m long and suitable for narrow bodied aeroplanes. Its single terminal is situated on the airport’s south side.