Ayers Rock Airport Mini Guide
Ayers Rock Airport is located only twenty minutes drive from its namesake. It sits in the middle of the Australian continent and is the door to the Uluru conservation area that surrounds one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. It doesn't seem far on the map to Uluru from Alice Springs but the flight saves you five hours of driving time across inhospitable desert.
Ayers Rock Airport (then called Connellan) was originally founded by EJ Connellan who started “Connellan Airways” whose main purpose was the transport of goods to and from the area. Due to the necessity of air travel in Australia and the large distances involved, the airline expanded to support the Mail Service and the Royal Flying Doctors, playing a major role in the establishment of a permanent air field. It was moved to its current location in 1984 as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of development on the Uluru area.
About the Ayers Rock Airport
Ayers Rock Airport or Connellan Airport as it is still sometimes known, is a single terminal airport with one baggage conveyor belt, so it won’t take long to find your luggage. It is mostly serviced by light aircraft, charters and private planes and has good connections with almost all the major Australian cities including Sydney, Brisbane and
Alice Springs. It is a small and relatively quiet airport with just a few daily flights so you won’t have to suffer through any long delays at check in. On the downside if you are hungry there is not much choice at the airport with only one food outlet located in the departures lounge.
Shopping at the airport is limited ( vending machines are a highlight) but there is a fantastic National Geographic store and also a shop that sells everything Ayers Rock - allowing you to honestly boast that you’ve “been there and got the T-shirt”.
Ayers Rock Airport is a perfect starting point for an exploration of the region and there are many companies that offer sightseeing scenic flights over both Uluru and Kata Tjuta that depart from the terminal at Ayers Rock. For further information and timetables of scheduled flights, contact the information desk at the airport.
Getting to Ayers Rock Airport
There are complimentary bus services to and from the resorts nearby as well as regular scheduled bus connections. Private cabs and minibuses are also available for hire, just ask at the airport information desk and they will be happy to provide all the necessary information. However you get to Ayers Rock Airport you’ll feel the warmth of a true Australian welcome as soon as your feet touch the ground.