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North Queensland's gateway, serving civilians and the RAAF.
Opened
1940
Location
Townsville, Australia
Townsville Airport, also known as RAAF Base Townsville (ICAO: YBTL), is a joint civil-military airport located in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It serves as the primary commercial airport for North Queensland and simultaneously operates as a significant Royal Australian Air Force base, home to No. 75 Squadron RAAF flying F/A-18A/B Hornets.
The airport handles both domestic passenger services and military operations, making it one of Australia's key dual-use aviation facilities. Its strategic location in northern Australia gives it considerable defence significance, particularly for operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Passenger services connect Townsville to major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns, supporting the region's tourism, mining, and defence industries.
Terminals
The airport features a single passenger terminal building handling all domestic commercial flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options include taxis, ride-share services, and shuttle buses connecting the airport to Townsville's CBD, approximately 5 kilometres away.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating at Townsville Airport include Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, providing domestic connections to key Australian cities.
Notable facts
- ›Serves as a joint civil and military facility, shared between commercial operators and the RAAF.
- ›Home to No. 75 Squadron RAAF, one of Australia's front-line fighter squadrons.
- ›The airport is located approximately 5 km west of Townsville's city centre.
- ›It is one of the busiest airports in Queensland outside of Brisbane.
- ›The facility plays a key strategic role in Australia's northern defence posture.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
