Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m

Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
Edited by Travel Weekly


    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.

    Townsville Airport is a crucial gateway for the regional tourism.

    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.”

    The 2023 Townsville Airport Master Plan will guide the strategic development of the airport over 20 years.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]