Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
The Townsville Airport Master Plan, including the expansion of the airport terminal and development of the surrounding precinct, has been given the green light by the Federal Government.
The 2023 plan outlined Townsville Airport’s strategic vision and growth objectives over the next two decades, with a detailed focus on the initial eight years.
Townsville Airport is a crucial gateway for the region’s tourism, mining and defence sectors, generating more than $400 million in economic contribution to the region and supporting more than 2,500 full-time jobs.
Forecasts in the Master Plan include the planning of international services by 2025, contributing to predicted annual passenger numbers of 3.7 million by 2043 – more than double today’s figures.
A new gateway precinct will also be established and feature an airport hotel along with modern retail, food and beverage offerings to serve visitors, staff and nearby residents.
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) CEO Amelia Evans said investing in the airport now was crucial to support the region’s anticipated growth over the next two decades.
“The next 20 years will be a critical growth period for the Townsville North Queensland region, with a predicted population boom of 38 per cent set to see resident numbers soar to more than 325,000,” Evans said.
“We believe in the strength of the Townsville North Queensland region, which is why we’ve invested more than $22 million in upgrades over the past three years.
“Our 2023 Townsville Airport Master Plan will guide the strategic development of airport facilities, infrastructure and land usage over the next two decades, ensuring we’re in a position to support predicted passenger growth and deliver economically for the region.
“We’re also on a journey to reach net zero by 2030, including new initiatives aimed at reducing emissions such as the installation of additional solar panels, energy efficient lighting and the purchase of electric vehicles.
“More broadly, we’re preparing for the transition to lower carbon aviation practices such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the recently announced production plant in Townsville set to be operational by as soon as 2026.”
Latest News
Scoot announces discounted flights to a range of destinations
Scoot has announced its latest sale to help travellers plan the perfect getaway to some of the most sought-after destinations to end 2024 and kickstart the new year. Travellers can take advantage of discounted flights to a range of destinations, including; Athens, Osaka, Langkaw, Vientiane, and Hong Kong, plus more departing from Sydney, Melbourne, and […]
Newcastle Airport signs MoU with Destination NSW to lure new domestic and international routes
Destination Newcastle! Did we ever think we would see the day?
Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary
Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]
Aqua Expeditions is set to expand its fleet in 2025
Luxury sailings are now hitting far-flung destinations, and there is still a lot of coastline left uncovered.
Cathay Pacific now offers complimentary Wi-Fi to Business Class passengers
Not that we are against flying up front, but these guys put it on the expense account anyway!
Royal Caribbean’s grand design for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas
It may not be Richard Branson's Necker but it's probably the closest we are going to get to a private island.
Railbookers Frank Marini on simplifying rail travel for agents: Travel Weekly TV
Travel Weekly is back with a bang... Which is not the sort of thing you want to hear when travelling by rail!
Iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel’s bold reimagining as part of Dusit Central Park
It was THE place to go once upon a decade, and now it is set to reclaim that space, say its owners.
Fiji Airways unveils order of cutting edge flight simulators for in-house Aviation Academy
The news has left the editorial desk wondering how we can get a turn ourselves.
The tiny WA town named as top national tourist destination
It just goes to show that big towns and big tourism budgets do not make a destination.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority goes off-track with trail destinations
The plan is to get people to see more than the double white lines of one of the greatest coastal drives in the world.
Qatar Airways celebrates 15 years of service in Australia
So Qatar has hit its teenage years in Australia. Let's hope they are well behaved and clean their room.
International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals announces new award recognising best tourism video of the year
Think you're a bit of a Spielberg behind the lens? Find out once and for all with this new competition.
NSW South Coast surfers in narrow escape after plane door plummets into the sea
What is it about aircraft doors? I mean, do you leave your front door unlocked all the time? Not us.
Virgin Australia announces enhanced partnership with Amadeus
Hot off the Virgin press is the latest in all things GDS... Do you see what we did there?
Japan Airlines becomes first carrier to sign on for Airbus’ virtual A350 trainer
Want to know how to make a plane geeks year? Stick one of these VR sets under their Christmas tree in December.
Emirates cans flight between Singapore and Melbourne
Rumour has it that Singapore just doesn't like Melbourne*. *This rumour has been fully fabricated by us.
New Qantas route from Brisbane to Port Vila takes off with full complement
While Air Vanuatu is flying again, other airlines are now scrambling to fill the slots it has left behind.
Surry Hills building that famously burnt to the ground set for $40m+ hotel renovation
Are you dating a pyromaniac? Consider Valentine's Day plans sorted... Once the renovations are complete!
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Explora Journeys
The Aponte family and MSC have created an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal names Dagmar Lyons as general manager
Raffles is always on our vision board of places we want to stay. Dagmar Lyons - work your magic!
Drifter Christchurch welcomes Rambler restaurant and bar in heritage space
The place has evolved from knitwear factory to hotel and bar. But hopefully it's still as cosy.
Explora Journeys appoints Anna Nash as president
We wish Anna the best of luck with both her new role and with writing her LinkedIn announcement.
Former hair-raising Hong Kong airport site now the height of luxury with Dorsett Kai Tak opening
Having flown into Kai Tak and lived under the flight path, this is a superior option to our Chungking Mansions digs.
Bali to ban development of hotels in busy areas in bid to tackle overtourism
The backlash against tourists continues. If you've ever badly-ridden a scooter in Bali it is probably your fault.
Star Clippers takes Australian advisors on Mediterranean adventure
If this doesn't want to make you sell more Star Clippers trips, then nothing will.
Holland America offers Aussie & Kiwis $1 deposits for 2024-26 seasons, today only
Given the cost of living, if you can find a dollar down the back of the couch, best go dig it out.
Intrepid Travel launches new Australian guide highlighting more than 60 local trips
Intrepid wants to have a bigger footprint in Oz. About a size 12 desert boot in the Simpson Desert should do it.
Journey Beyond launches Great Southern ‘Brisbane to Melbourne’ 3-day summer by train adventure
We remember driving this route as a child. It was significantly less picturesque and involved lots of Red Rooster.
‘Travly’ founders say new OTA is here to turn holiday dreams into reality
OK, you'll still need a bit of coin handy to book in the holiday, but if that's no issue, Travly is for you!
The $9billion monster wellness resort powered entirely by solar panels
This is less a wellness resort and more a wellness planet at this stage. Lets hope we will get fit by osmosis.
CAPA Airline Leader Summit, the biggest regional aviation event of the year, is set to open in Brisbane
This is on at new The Star, so we are expecting lots of oohs and aahs, and a late night at a very busy Sky Deck.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council boss slams Government’s proposed 7.5% ‘Short-Stay Levy’
All the more reason to stay in a hotel we say... Hoteliers, you can thank us later!
Unlock the world’s most captivating destinations with exclusive offers on select 2024-2025 Azamara cruises
Not only do you get to unlock captivating cruise destinations with Azamara, you get US$500 of their money to spend.
Aurora Expeditions names Greg Cormier as chief marketing officer
We are glad Greg got his new merch in time to sport this Aurora Expeditions windbreaker. Job done.
Etihad Airways announces new direct flights to Warsaw and Prague
Etihad Airways has announced new direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Warsaw, Poland and Prague, Czechia with four weekly flights to both destinations beginning 2 June 2025. The new routes are part of the airline’s growth strategy to diversify its European network and provide business and leisure travellers with convenient access to the vibrant European […]