About Mackay Airport
Tropical north QLD industrial city — Mackay, Eungella platypus viewing and Whitsunday mainland access.
Getting There
By car
Bruce Highway connects to Mackay CBD (10 minutes) and onwards.
By taxi & rideshare
Taxi to CBD: $20–$25, 10 minutes. Uber available.
Shuttle to Airlie Beach
Whitsundays Transit runs services to Airlie Beach (50 km north, 90 minutes). Often booked with Whitsunday sailing packages.
Hire car for Eungella
Most major hire companies at the terminal. Eungella National Park 90 minutes west — Australia's most reliable wild platypus viewing.
Transfers
Parking
Airport Layout
Runway configuration and terminal area for Mackay Airport.
Runways
2 runways • longest 1,981m • total 3,325m • Regional jet capable (e.g. Embraer 170, Bombardier CRJ-200)
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Headings | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/32 | 1,981 m | 45 m | Asphalt | 148° / 328° | Yes |
| 05/23 | 1,344 m | 30 m | Asphalt | 57° / 237° | Yes |
Security & screening at Australian airports
Recommended arrival times
- Domestic flights: arrive 60 minutes before departure
- International flights: arrive 2–3 hours before departure (longer for first-time international travellers)
What you can carry on
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs): containers up to 100ml for international flights, all in a single transparent 1L resealable bag. Domestic flights have no LAG restrictions on most airlines.
- Lithium batteries (in personal devices): allowed in carry-on only. Spare batteries up to 100Wh permitted in carry-on; batteries over 160Wh prohibited.
- Sharp items including scissors with blades over 6cm, knives, and tools must be packed in checked baggage.
Prohibited items
- Firearms (require declaration and approval)
- Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases
- Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
- Self-defence weapons including knuckle dusters
Full list: ABF prohibited items
International arrivals — biosecurity
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil, wooden items, and outdoor equipment on your Incoming Passenger Card. Fines start at AUD $626 and undeclared prohibited items can result in penalties up to $660,000 or visa cancellation. When in doubt, declare it.
Useful links
- Smart Traveller (DFAT) — travel advisories
- Australian Border Force — customs and biosecurity
- Aviation Security (Department of Infrastructure)
Nearby Attractions
Quick Facts
Stay connected on arrival — Airalo eSIM
Skip airport SIM kiosks — install Airalo before you fly and activate the moment you land.
Scan to install on your phone
Quick Stats
- Class
- major regional
- Runways
- 2
- Longest runway
- 1,981 m
- Max aircraft
- Regional jet capable
- Elevation
- 6 m
- Annual passengers
- 824,704(2022)
At a Glance
Airport Codes
- IATA
- MKY
- ICAO
- YBMK
Location
- City
- Mackay
- State
- Queensland
- Timezone
- Brisbane
Plan Your Visit
- Best Time
- May-Oct for dry weather and reef trips.
Good to Know
Airlines
Car Hire
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
Dump Points(3)
BP City Gates
Free · 2.7km
Mackay South Caravan Dump Point
caravan-park · 3km
Railway Square
Free · 28.5km