Sunshine Coast Airport, MCY
Airport Name: Sunshine Coast Airport
IATA Code: MCY, ICAO Code: YBMC
Airport Type: Medium Airport
Elevation: 5 metres.
Municipiality: Maroochydore, Region: Queensland, Country: Australia
Website: MCY Airport Official Website
Wikipedia link: MCY Airport on Wikipedia
Australia has dozens of small and regional airports some of which are designed primarily for holiday travelers seeking the warmer waters of the Sunshine Coast region. Sunshine Coast Airport caters to the surging tourists coming to the region to sample the many resorts around the area. The facility is one of Australia's busiest regional airports. In fact, it was the country's 15th busiest airport in 2009 handling more than 900,000 passengers.
History
The present location of the airport was the same site the government of Queensland granted to the Shire of Maroochy in 1958 to construct an airstrip for general aviation only. The original users of the airstrip were Aero Club of Maroochy, and Parachute Club of Queensland. A year later, the first test landing occurred on that grassy strip.
In 1961, the Maroochy Shire Council approved the funding to build a sealed runway measuring 1,400m long designed for aircraft such as the Fokker F27 Friendship. The airport was renamed Maroochydore Airport as regular transport services for the public commenced.
The airport was upgraded in 1979 with the construction of a terminal building and the runway lengthened to 1,797m in 1983 to accommodate bigger aircrafts. Ten years later, the runway underwent another upgrade, extending it further to accommodate bigger aircraft such as an Airbus A320. The airport got its present name in 1997 upon the completion of a modern terminal building.
Runways
The airport boasts of two runways, 12/30 and 18/36, one of which is only 651m long designed for general aviation. The main runway, which can handle medium-size aircraft such as jets, measures 1,803m long.
Terminal
The single but modern terminal is a one-story building which houses both the arrival and departure lounges. Passengers have to walk outside the terminal onto the tarmac to board their aircraft. Retail shops and dining options are also available.
Flights and Destinations
Currently, three of Australia's largest regional airlines serve the airport with Air New Zealand commencing its seasonal connection starting July 2012. Major destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Moranbah, and Lady Elliot Island.
Transport to and from the Airport
The airport has a shuttle service run by SunAir, which transports passengers to and from their point of origin in the city. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis available as well as car rentals near the arrival area.
Sunshine Coast Airport Arrivals
Sunshine Coast Airport Departures
Flight information is provided by FlightStats, and is subject to the FlightStats Terms of Use.
Facebook
RSS