HAMILTON Island has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its airport, marking four decades of connecting visitors to the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
Hamilton Island Airport is the only commercial jet airport in the Whitsunday Islands.
Since the inaugural flight touched down in 1984, to a fanfare of aloha shirts and cocktails, the airport has become a vital hub for regional tourism and the Whitsundays community, linking them to friends, family and essential services.
“For 40 years, Hamilton Island Airport has connected visitors to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef,” Hamilton Island Acting Chief Operations Officer Paul Watson said.
“The airport plays a pivotal role in supporting the local visitor economy – welcoming over 500,000 travellers each year – while serving as a vital link for island residents.
“For many of us who live and work on Hamilton Island, the airport is integral to our daily lives, and we’re proud of its contribution to the Whitsundays region.”
Hamilton Island Airport has revolutionised access to the region, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane taking under three hours.
Today it operates up to 16 commercial flights daily, serving major carriers Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia.
“Hamilton Island Airport has transformed tourism in the Whitsundays, making it easier than ever for visitors to experience the region’s natural wonders,” Mr Watson said.
“It’s not just a gateway – its where lifelong memories are made. Visitors who experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand leave with a deeper appreciation of the importance of protecting this iconic natural wonder.”
Since the Oatley family acquired Hamilton Island, in 2003, more than $400 million has been invested in infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the airport.
“As we celebrate Hamilton Island Airport’s 40th year, we look forward to another four decades of providing convenient access to the Whitsundays’ unique natural attractions and unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits,” Mr Watson said.
To mark the anniversary, Hamilton Island Airport staff, past and present, together with Acting CEO Nick Dowling, and children from the Hamilton Island community school, surprised arriving passengers, on December 10, 2024, with a warm Hamilton Island welcome, reminiscent of the celebration that greeted visitors on that first commercial flight, in 1984.
