Passenger Services

Most domestic airlines require you to be at the check-in counter at least 60 minutes before departure. Be sure to check the guidelines provided by your airline. 

Yes, lockers are available at the front of the terminal on Stinson Avenue. Prices vary depending on the number of hours required. For support or to report an issue, contact Rent A Locker on 1300 955 554 or at support@rentalocker.com.au. 

The Townsville Airport 2023-2043 Master Plan can be viewed here. 

Townsville Airport is a Joint User facility. Noise management on airport is controlled by aircraft noise abatement procedures and routine aircraft noise monitoring undertaken by the Airport and the Department of Defence. RAAF Base Townsville manages the toll-free noise enquiry hotline for any community complaints. Please call the Aircraft Noise Enquiries hotline on 1800 802 584 to lodge any noise complaints. 

Ideally, aircraft fly by the most direct route and at the optimum altitude for reasons of economy and efficiency of flight operations. However, it is not always possible for aircraft to fly optimum routes because of noise and safety considerations and the competing demands of other airspace users. 

Some of the factors that influence flight paths are: 

• Runway orientation 
• The need to separate arriving and departing aircraft 
• The need to provide an appropriate safety buffer around aircraft following the same path or on intersecting paths 
• The need to integrate the flight paths for each airport in the region 
• Aircraft performance limitations, e.g. rate of turn, climb and descent rates 
• Avoidance of hills or other obstructions 
• Minimisation of noise impact where possible 
• Weather conditions 
• Avoidance of restricted airspace, (usually for security or safety reasons) 
• Efficient use of airspace. 

While flight paths are often depicted as single lines on a map, it is not possible for all aircraft following a flight path to fly precisely along the same line. In practice, flight paths tend to be corridors that can be several kilometres wide. 

Flight paths show where the aircraft fly most of the time, while flight zones describe in more general terms the airspace that may be used by aircraft operating to and from the airport. Flight zones include all the flight paths and adjacent airspace which may be used by aircraft for safety and other operational reasons. Aircraft will be seen and heard anywhere in the flight zone around an airport. 

Aircraft operating at low altitudes creating the most noise are generally found within a radius of about 10 nautical miles (19km) from the aerodrome. For example, an aircraft preparing to land would be at an altitude of about 3000 feet (approximately 900 m) at 10 nautical miles from the runway threshold. Departing aircraft are usually higher than arriving aircraft at equal distances from the aerodrome. Aircraft will, of course, also be seen and heard outside this 10-nautical mile radius. 

Drivers dropping off or picking up a passenger with a disability kerbside at the front of the terminal must remain with the vehicle. This is due to increased security procedures implemented at all airports throughout Australia. Townsville Airport must abide by the security regulations determined by the Commonwealth Government. 

There are two accessible bays provided in the pick-up/drop-off area which are signed, enabling a driver to collect and drop off for a maximum of 15 minutes. The driver must remain with the vehicle and have a valid permit displayed on the vehicle. If your passenger requires assistance to enter the terminal by a member of our Kerbside Concierge Team, please call 1800 225 878 to arrange prior to arrival. 

Drivers of vehicles displaying a disabled permit sticker must remain with their vehicle; they cannot leave their vehicle unattended. 

Should the driver need to leave the vehicle to assist the passenger, a number of alternate options are available: 

• Option 1: Arrange for a third person to travel to the airport with the driver to escort the passenger(s) with a disability into the terminal while the driver remains with the vehicle. 
• Option 2: Park your vehicle in the accessible car spaces located in the car park near the terminal. If you enter and exit the car park within 10 minutes, it’s free. 
• Option 3: Use public transport options like taxis, hire cars or shuttle buses, which can drop you off directly at the terminal. 

Accessible car parking for passengers with accessibility requirements is provided within all car parks at Townsville Airport. These spaces are reserved for passengers with accessibility requirements, and for this reason, vehicles parking in these designated areas must display a valid Disability Parking Permit on the vehicle while parked.

To request assistance, contact your airline directly when making your reservation and let them know if you’re travelling with a passenger who has a disability. This allows the airline to provide guidance and, if needed, make suitable arrangements at the airport or on the flight. 

Please refer to your airline’s Conditions of Carriage for more information. 

Yes, Townsville Airport is committed to supporting passengers with accessibility requirements. A Disability Access Facilitation Plan outlines the services and facilities available to assist passengers and ensure a more comfortable journey.