Mackay Airport (MKY) Guide to Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport (IATA: MKY, ICAO: YBMK) is located in South Mackay, Queensland, Australia. It is an Australian regional airport that serves the metropolitan area of Mackay. It has flights to Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Hamilton Island, Cairns, and Sydney. On June 30, 2012, the landing field facility handled 969,900 passenger guests, making it the 14th busiest airport in Australia.

The airport attracts various range of local and international flight carriers to serve the purpose of business, commercial, industrial, leisure, and tourism.

Mackay is a thriving mining, agricultural, industrial and regional business center supporting a growing tourism industry and a gateway to the Whitsunday coast and islands.

Transfer Services at Mackay Airport

Mackay is a very busy Airport, so it is advisable to book in advance to save disappointment. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and Redspot are all located at the airport, and the booking offices are close to the baggage collection point.

Taxis offer a service running from the front of the terminal. Rideshare operators Ola & Shebah also operate from Mackay Airport, and bookings can be made via their apps.

Mackay Airport has many transport options to assist you in reaching your final destination, including Taxis, Rental Cars, and Transfers.

Rental Car Services at Mackay Airport

Extensive car hire options are available for travelers at Mackay Airport.

Rental Cars are always comfortable for traveling anywhere. You can choose the most comfortable car you want.

You can also hire someone to drive you to any place of interest or if you love going to a foreign place. Self-drive is also an option for renting cars if you have the necessary documents and a license to drive in a foreign country or another city.

The airport has leading car rental partners that offer a quality, convenient and comfortable mode of transportation. Rental cars are available at Mackay Airport. They have an extensive choice of car hire options available for travelers.

For more information, visit our car rental section.

Taxi Services at Mackay Airport

The taxicab stand is located at Mackay Airport's ground transportation area, outside the Arrivals Hall. Signages are provided for passengers leading in the right direction.

The facility is served by Mackay Whitsunday Taxis, one of the leading taxicab services in the Queensland area, covering from Sarina in the south to Airlie Beach in the north.

You can find the Taxi Rank outside the terminal. Follow the signage inside the airport.

Taxi fares vary based on distance, location, and travel time (including Public Holidays). Taxi Fares are set by the city's Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

For more information, visit our Taxi Page.

Train Services at Mackay Airport

Train transfer is one of the most utilized public transportation in the area. However, this mode of transfer service is not accessible at Mackay Airport.

Mackay Railway Station is the nearest train transport, about a 3km or 6-minute drive to the airport. This means travelers must take another transfer mode to the train station.

For more details, visit our Train Page.

Bus Services at Mackay Airport

Translink is currently trialing a public bus service between Mackay Airport and the CBD. The Translink 303 service regularly operates from the city to the airport, visiting the airport eleven times a day, Monday to Friday, and four times on a Saturday.

For further information, visit our Bus Page.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Mackay Airport

Several hotels in Mackay provide complimentary hotel shuttle transfers for their tourist guests. However, there is also hotel accommodation that offers shuttle services for an additional charge.

Therefore, guests are advised to confirm their hotel booking and shuttle transfers before their flight schedule to experience hassle-free travel.

For further information, visit our Hotel Page.

Rideshare Services at Mackay Airport

Rideshare operators Uber, Ola, and Shebah, provide transport from Mackay Airport.

The drop-off location is adjacent to Check-in, while the pick-up point is at the Bus Bay Area near the baggage claim or the arrivals end of the terminal.

Parking Services at Mackay Airport

Accessible parking spaces are available in all public parking areas and are clearly signposted. The accessible parking within the short-term car park is close to the terminal entrances. The accessible parking in the long-term car park is close to the walkway access to the terminal.

Dedicated accessible parking spaces are conveniently located in the Short Term, Long Term & Covered Car Parks. These are clearly marked and are reserved for passengers with cars displaying a valid 'disability' card. An accessible pick-up & drop-off area is located at the end of the terminal within the Taxi Zone end of the terminal airport featuring a wheelchair ramp.

For more information, visit our Parking Page.

Other Services at Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport offers many other services for the convenience of their inbound and outbound guests. You will find ATMs, Shops, Lounges, Restaurants, an Information Desk, a Luggage and Lost Property section, and a Currency Exchange available at the airport. Free WiFi access is also provided for airport guests.

Disabled Passengers at Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport offers a Disability Access Facilitation Plan for passengers with disabilities, carers, and other parties. It provides information for a convenient travel experience from reservation to arriving at the intended destination.

Wheelchairs are available for use and can be accessed by contacting a Mackay Airport Customer Service Officer (CSO) at +61 0434 607 658. You may arrange for the CSO to bring the wheelchair to you or collect it at the CSO office, located next to the Virgin Australia Check-In counter.

There are also dedicated accessible parking spaces that are located in a convenient location at the public car parks. These are clearly marked and are reserved for passengers with cars displaying a valid 'disability' card. An accessible pick-up & drop-off area is located at the end of the terminal within the Taxi Zone end of the airport featuring a wheelchair ramp.

Two drop-off and pick-up areas are provided at the front of the terminal. Several check-in counters have been modified and lowered to allow easier access for people using a wheelchair.

WiFi at Mackay Airport

While you're relaxing with a coffee or a snack, enjoy the 30 minutes of free WiFi access at Mackay Airport. Select 'Airport Free WiFi' in your WiFi settings and follow the prompts to get online.

Baggage Claim at Mackay Airport

The baggage Claim Area is located at the arrivals hall of the terminal of Mackay Airport. Near the baggage, carousels are the baggage trolleys for travelers with more than one piece of luggage.

You will also find an information monitor with your flight's carousel number for your convenience.

Information Desk at Mackay Airport

Passengers needing assistance or inquiries can find the Information or Service Desk at the Departures Area of Mackay Airport.

Smoking Area at Mackay Airport

Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal or within seven meters of an entry door.

Mackay Airport has provided designated outside smoking areas located at the baggage collection end of the terminal building and in the outdoor Observation Area accessible from the Departures Lounge.

Lost and Found Section at Mackay Airport

Outbound passengers are always advised to check their personal items and belongings before disembarking or embarking on the aircraft.

However, losing items is inevitable for some.

In case of missing or left items inside the aircraft, please do not hesitate to contact your respective airline provider.

For property lost in the terminal or car park area, please phone the Customer Service Officer at +61 0434 607 658.

Restrooms at Mackay Airport

Public toilets (including facilities for particular needs people) are available in the Check-In, Arrivals Hall, and Departures Lounge.

Showers are located within the Check-In toilet block.

Nursing Mother Stations at Mackay Airport

Traveling with infants can be a challenge, especially for lactating mothers. Luckily, Mackay Airport has two parenting rooms available inside the terminal. One is located in the amenities opposite the check-in area, and the other is inside the departure lounge.

Mothers can comfortably feed their infants and change their diapers and clothes inside the parenting rooms of the airport.

ATMs at Mackay Airport

All departing passengers from Mackay Airport needing cash can withdraw at the ATMs inside the terminal building. One is located inside the departure lounge near the public toilets.

Currency Exchange at Mackay Airport

You can have your local currencies exchanged at Mackay Airport before your departure.

Crown Currency Exchange is the currency exchange agency inside the airport's terminal.

Food and Beverages at Mackay Airport

Enjoy the warm and cozy service offered by food concessions inside Mackay Airport. Restaurants, fast food hubs, and cafes are conveniently accessible in pre- and post-security areas.

Shopping at Mackay Airport

Shopping stores are available and open for all passengers of Mackay Airport.

For departing guests looking for an assortment of gadgets or electronics and gadget accessories suitable for your travels, you can visit Tech2Go.

For treats and gifts, you can visit Realy.

You will find both Tech2Go and Realy in the Departures Lounge.

Pet Relief Area at Mackay Airport

Mackay Airport does not allow pets inside the terminal. Therefore, there is no pet relief area inside the airport terminal. Suppose you are traveling with your pet/s or need to transport your pet/s. In that case, you may contact the airline or cargo agent directly for information on transporting your pet/s.

Ticketing Service at Mackay Airport

Purchasing flight tickets is possible inside Mackay Airport. Ticketing counters are available at the Departures Area.

History of Mackay Airport

An airport at Mackay was established in 1927 when Captain Ron Adair selected the city to construct an airfield and landed the first plane in Mackay there, his own Avro biplane. The Mackay City Council agreed in February 1930 to apply to excise land from the commons for aviation purposes.

In April 1930, mayor Ian Wood officially opened the Mackay Aerodrome. The controller of civil aviation in Australia issued an airport license on March 9, 1931.

In 1938, the airport held an airshow featuring ten aircraft, which attracted over 8,000 spectators.

Mackay Airport had grass landing strips until 1940 when the Commonwealth Government extended the airport's boundaries and upgraded the runways to unsealed gravel for use during World War II. Until 1945, Mackay Airport served as an essential operational military base due to its proximity to the South West Pacific Area.

In 1948, the main runway was extended, and in 1958 it was further upgraded, sealed, and strengthened.

In 1941, the Commonwealth Government took control of the airport from the Mackay City Council and built a new passenger terminal in 1953.

In 1984, the government offered command of the airport back to the council, which refused. It then provided the airport to the Mackay Port Authority, then changed its mind and announced the airport would be run by the Federal Airports Corporation. This move prompted an angry local reaction in Mackay, eventually leading to the port authority gaining control of the airport.

About Mackay, Australia

Mackay City in the Mackay Region is situated in the eastern portion of the Coral Sea coast of Queensland, Australia. It is located about 970 kilometers north of Brisbane on the Pioneer River.

Mackay is described as either Central Queensland or North Queensland. The area is generally known as the Mackay–Whitsunday Region, one of Australia's most iconic destinations. Whitsunday is a group of 74 islands located on the northern coast of Queensland, specifically in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Mackay is also recognized as the sugar capital of Australia, as it produces more than a third of Australia's sugar.

The city was named after John Mackay, a Scottish-born explorer that led an expedition party in 1860 from Uralla to what is now known as Pioneer River. In 1860, he led an excursion into the Pioneer Valley. Initially, Mackay proposed to name the city's river Mackay River after his father, George Mackay.

However, Thomas Henry Fitzgerald, a pioneer in sugar cane farming and a renowned politician, surveyed the township. Fitzgerald suggested that the area be named Alexandra next to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Prince Edward (later King Edward VII).

However, in 1862 the river was renamed the Pioneer River after Governor George Bowen traveled to the area aboard the wooden screw discovery vessel HMS Pioneer. The township name was changed to Mackay in honor of John Mackay.

Concerning the correct pronunciation of Mackay brought much contention to some. In 2007, The Mackay City Library confirmed that the correct pronunciation is /məˈkaɪ/, from the Gaelic word "MacAoidh," which is pronounced "ɑɪ" not "eɪ."

Weather in Mackay, Australia

In Mackay, the wet season is warm, muggy, and partly cloudy, while the dry season is comfortable and mostly clear. Over the year, the temperature generally varies from 13°C to 29°C and is rarely below 8°C or above 32°C.

Based on the beach and pool score, the best period of the year to visit Mackay for hot-weather activities are from mid-March to early April and from mid-October to late December.

The hot season lasts 4.7 months, usually from November to March, with an average daily heightened temperature above 28°C. The city's hottest month is January, with an average temperature of 29°C and a low of 24°C.

The great season lasts for 2.6 months, usually from June to August, with an average daily high temperature below 23°C. The city's coldest month is July, with an average low of 13°C and a high of 21°C.

Hospitals in Mackay, Australia

Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Address: 475 Bridge Road, Mackay QLD

Phone: (07) 4885 6000

Emergency: 000

Police Stations in Mackay, Australia

Mackay Station

Address: 57-59 Sydney St, Mackay, 4740

Phone: (07) 4968 3444

Emergency: 000

Mackay Airport Contacts

Address: Christensen Circuit, South Mackay QLD 4740, Australia