Rockhampton Airport is a major Australian regional airport in West Rockhampton that services the city of Rockhampton, with direct flights to the cities of Brisbane, and Mackay. Flights have previously operated to Sydney and Melbourne but were cancelled due to lack of passenger numbers. The airport runway has the capability to handle aircraft such as the A380, 747, & 777 types. In 2011, the airport handled 701,062 passengers and 12,606 aircraft movements, a drop from the 2010 figure of 777,212 passengers and 14,602 aircraft. The drop is attributed in part to the airport being closed for three weeks in January due to the 2010–2011 Queensland floods.
History
Efforts to locate a permanent aerodrome site in the city had been proceeding for a number of years in the 1920s. The City Council and the Federal Government, however, could not come to an arrangement as to a suitable site. Prior to 1930, a number of locations within the city had been used for the operation of aircraft, all on a non-official basis and none suitable for long term use. In 1929, the lease to a former racecourse, Connor Park, was acquired by a number of aspiring aviators, and they set about making it suitable for aircraft. The Rockhampton Aero Club was formed on 9 February 1930, and announced that flying training would commence at the location. The Rockhampton Aero Club continues to operate today, providing flying training and air charter. The aerodrome was officially opened as Connor Park Aerodrome on 2 March 1930. A few weeks later, the aerodrome was again officially opened as Rockhampton Aerodrome, and the first passenger aircraft, a Fokker monoplane, Star of Cairns, landed. During World War II, facilities at the airport were substantially upgraded. The Commonwealth took over control of the airport, and the Royal Australian Air Force moved in. An Aeradio station was established to enable air ground communication, a facility that survived as a Flight Service Unit until 1992. Control Tower facilities were also established. At one stage, work was commenced to allow rapid demolition of the runways if required. In 1987 during upgrade work, the demolition tunnels were located and filled in. In February 1989, the Rockhampton City Council was vested with ownership of the airport. In 2015 Jetgo Announced that two new flight destinations from Rockhampton would be available, Townsville & Gold Coast.
Past and future redevelopments
In 2008, Rockhampton Airport completed an A$8.4 million terminal redevelopment. Changes made during the renovation included the removal of the old viewing deck, a new security screening point and departure lounge, a new café/restaurant, the relocation of the airport offices, check-in counters, and baggage carousel and a customs screening point for international flights. During 2008, new changes that will be occurring at the airport include the installation of new air-conditioners and lighting.
Airlines and destinations
Accidents and incidents
Rockhampton Airport closed on 1 January 2011 due to flooding affecting the runway. The airport was reopened on Monday, 24 January 2011.
The Rockhampton Airport was named the 2007 Australian Major Airport of the Year at the prestigious National Awards in recognition of Excellence in Australian Aviation, in Melbourne on 13 November 2007.
On the roundabout outside the airport is one of the seven Big Bulls statues that decorate Rockhampton, which regards itself as the Beef Capital of Australia. The statue outside the airport depicts a Droughtmaster bull, an important breed in the local area. The Big Bulls are listed as one of Australia's big things. The theft of the testicles from the bulls is a common prank and they frequently have to be replaced. Some residents also feel that the bull statues over-emphasise one aspect of the city and should be relocated to less prominent locations. However, there is strong public support for the retention of the bulls.
Library
The Rockhampton Regional Council operate a public library at the Rockhampton Airport called the "Anytime Library".
