Hamilton Island Airport, HTI

Airport Name: Hamilton Island Airport
IATA Code: HTI, ICAO Code: YBHM
Airport Type: Medium Airport
Elevation: 5 metres.
Municipiality: Hamilton Island, Region: Queensland, Country: Australia
Website: HTI Airport Official Website
Wikipedia link: HTI Airport on Wikipedia

Now known as the Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island Airport, is your gateway to the world's largest barrier reef. It is now Australia's 19th busiest airport. In 2009, there were 434,305 passengers passed through the airport en route to their favorite holiday destinations in the island. It is one of the privately-owned commercial airports in the country.

History

The airport that we know today as Great Barrier Reef Airport had long been known as Hamilton Island Airport. The history of the airport itself is concurrent with that of the island's transformation into a tourist attraction. It was in the mid-1970s when Keith Williams, a tourism entrepreneur from Queensland, noticed the natural beauty of the island while cruising, on board his yacht, through the Withsundays. He got so enamored with the island that, in so short a time, together with his business associate, they purchased the grazing lease, effectively giving them ownership of the whole island.

When his associate died in 1978, as they were about to develop the island, he changed his mind and abandoned the idea of a grazing property. Instead, he decided to turn the island into a tourism estate. In that same year, he started the construction of the Hamilton Island Harbour and the resort complex. Almost simultaneously, he also built a commercial airstrip to complement the resort facilities. When the whole project was completed in the early 1980s, Hamilton Island became Australia's premier tourist destination. Soon thereafter, the construction of exclusive apartments ensued - a yacht club was built, luxury resorts and comprehensive convention facilities were added.

Runways

The Hamilton Island Airport has a single runway, 14/32, which measures 1,764m long and can handle medium-size aircraft such as an Airbus A320.

Terminal

The airport has a modern and comfortable terminal for departing passengers. Inside the terminal building, facilities include a parents' room for travelers with young children, as well as ramp access for persons with disability. Check-in desks for all three airlines using the airport are also inside the terminal. Passengers can have their snacks or refreshments from the Airport Bar. There is also a small shop inside.

Flights and Destinations

There are daily flights to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney via Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas.

Transport to and from the Airport

Most passengers with prior accommodation booking in the island are offered free shuttle service to their rented place.

Hamilton Island Airport Arrivals

Hamilton Island Airport Departures

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