Townsville Airport, TSV

Airport Name: Townsville Airport
IATA Code: TSV, ICAO Code: YBTL
Airport Type: Medium Airport
Elevation: 5 metres.
Municipiality: Townsville, Region: Queensland, Country: Australia
Website: TSV Airport Official Website
Wikipedia link: TSV Airport on Wikipedia
Also Known As: RAAF Base Garbutt, RAAF Base Townsville

Townsville Airport, also known by the names Townsville International Airport and Garbutt Airport, is the main regional airport that serves the city of Townsville, Queensland. Serviced by some of Australia's major regional and domestic airlines, this airport handles more than a million passengers per year, making it the country's 11th busiest airport. Townsville Airport was also the first regional airport to be given an international airport status in 1980.

History

Before the Townsville Airport started operating in February 1, 1939, the first airport that served the city was the one built on the city of Thuringowa. However, due its small size and unsatisfactory facilities, a site for the construction of a new, larger airport was chosen. And at this site is where the present Townsville Airport was erected.

Just a few months following its completion, the airport immediately underwent expansion, so it can be used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) fighter squadrons. A year later, major expansions were done again, this time, to accommodate the bombers and aircrafts of the United States Army Corps. Included in this expansion is the lengthening of the south-east runway, for it to be able to handle larger, heavier aircrafts. All works were almost finished in December 31, 1941, when the Pacific War took place.

After the war, the Townsville Airport experienced an enormous increase in aircraft movements and passenger numbers. Nevertheless, it was only in the 1960s when the airport growth really soared.

Runways

The airport currently operates on two asphalt runways, 01/19 and 07/25, which measures 2,438m and 1,100m long, respectively.

Terminals

Townsville Airport currently has an integrated terminal building where both domestic and international operations take place. The building's Northern Concourse serves as the terminal for domestic services, while it is the Southern Concourse for the international. Four aerobridges, three of which are domestic, are being used in the terminal.

A redevelopment project on the terminal building, which is a part of the overall modernization of the airport, took place in 2003. These included addition of new facilities for Qantas, as well as new retail shops, aerobridges, and departure lounges. Another upgrade was done in 2008, where the check-in desks, terminal entrances, and retail spaces were improved.

Flights and Destinations

Townsville airport offers mostly domestic flights to the different regions and cities of Australia. International flights are going to Denpasar, Bali only.

Transport To and From the Airport

One can reach the airport via buses, taxis, and cars. Sunbus Townsville Route 5/5A transfers passengers from the airport to the Central Business District. Another option would be taxis, which can be found on the terminal's northern end. Limousine and car rental services are also available.

For those who have their own cars, the airport has car parks located near the terminal precinct, which offer long- and short-term parking.

Townsville Airport Arrivals

Townsville Airport Departures

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