Latest Mackay Airport News

Mackay airport caters for growing demand

Mr Davies thanked Mr Lucas and Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin for their ongoing interest and support regarding MPA activities.The extended Mackay Airport security departure lounge will cater for growing passenger numbers through the airport, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas announced today.

Mr Lucas, who officially opened the $2.14 million expansion, said the healthy tourism and mining industries had led to an increase in passenger demand, with more than 750,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal in 2007.

"The expansion to the security departure lounge has doubled its size to potentially seat 415 people with extra standing room," he said.

"It also allows for more efficient passenger security screening and a dedicated security equipment control room for Mackay Port Authority personnel.

"Food and beverage and toilet facilities have also been improved."

Mr Lucas said the extension added to the port authority office space and replaced the fire panel and evacuation warning system.

"The Mackay Port Authority and the Mackay Airport are major players in the region's economy," he said.

"Passenger numbers in Mackay have more than doubled since 2001.

"In 2005-06, the number of passengers through Mackay's airport increased 14% to a record 656,326. It has already broken that record and is on its way to another strong year.

"This extension to the departure lounge and the upgrading in security will ensure the Mackay Airport can continue to meet the growing demands on passenger services."

Meantime, MPA chairman Graham Davies said the Mackay Port Authority was determined that facilities at the airport kept pace with the airport's outstanding growth.

"We have experienced unprecedented growth - both in terms of passenger numbers and services - since the collapse of Ansett in September 2001," he said.

"This year we are confident of passing the 750-thousand passenger milestone - a far cry from the 180-thousand odd people who passed through the airport when it first opened in November 1990."

Mackay now boasts 56 direct passenger services to Brisbane each week, four direct Sydney services and 31 regional coastal connections

"Flying has never been more affordable - thanks to the introduction of low cost carriers, such as Virgin Blue and Jetstar," Mr Davies said.

"You may have read in the media that the MPA is also "hot" on the Tiger's tail - in fact our airport general manager Trevor Heard is off to Melbourne next week for a new round of talks with Tiger Airways. Air travel is continuing to undergoing dramatic changes in Australia - needless to say it's very exciting to be part of that growth."

Mr Davies thanked Mr Lucas and Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin for their ongoing interest and support regarding MPA activities.