Gladstone Airport

What Gladstone Airport does

Gladstone Airport is a Tier 2 Security Controlled regional airport located in Clinton, Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, operated by Gladstone Airport Corporation (GAC), a government-owned corporation under the Gladstone Regional Council. The airport features a 1920m x 30m runway (10/28) reconstructed between 2009 and 2011, capable of accommodating Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 aircraft, along with a terminal providing passenger processing, security screening, parking, retail (Café ten28), and ground handling services via Winkel Aviation Services. The airport operates as the sole commercial aviation gateway for Central Queensland, serving a catchment of approximately 46,000-57,000 people spanning Rockhampton, Biloela, and Agnes Water, and functions as the primary access point for LNG, mining, and aluminium FIFO workers, as well as Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism (Heron Island via Marine Helicopter Charter).

The business model is built on diversified aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams. Aeronautical revenue includes passenger facility charges, landing fees, and ground handling services governed by a Conditions of Use Agreement effective 1 July 2025. Non-aeronautical revenue includes car parking ($26-37/day depending on lot), terminal retail and food & beverage (Café ten28), property and tenancy leases from on-site tenants and contractors, and access card services (ASIC, VIC, ADA systems). A new $5 million Patient Transfer Facility under construction will support over 700 aeromedical transfers annually. The airport maintains partnerships with two primary scheduled carriers — QantasLink and Virgin Australia — alongside four car rental operators (Avis, Budget, Hertz/Thrifty, Sixt), taxi/bus services, and freight partners (Qantas Freight, Toll Air Express).

Recent strategic actions include the 2025 launch of contactless Tap, Park and Go parking, adoption of the Hidden Disabilities accessibility program, the new Patient Transfer Facility development, and active community engagement with the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and GAPDL. The airport's competitive position rests on its regulatory status as a Tier 2 airport under CASA, its monopoly position in the Gladstone Region, and its role as critical infrastructure for industrial and tourism demand drivers. Leadership includes CEO Mark Cachia (joined July 2019), Chairman Adrienne Ward (appointed September 2016), and a board with aviation, legal, and finance expertise.

Name

Gladstone Airport

Legal name

Gladstone Airport Corporation

Website

https://gladstoneairport.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gladstone Airport is a Tier 2 regional airport in Central Queensland, Australia, operated by Gladstone Airport Corporation under Gladstone Regional Council. It serves as the sole commercial aviation gateway for FIFO workers in LNG/mining/aluminium sectors and Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism, with QantasLink and Virgin Australia as primary airline partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

Keywords

• Regional airport operations
• Aviation infrastructure services
• Airport car parking
• Aeromedical transfer coordination
• Aircraft ground handling

Headquarters

HQ city

Colinton

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Passenger Facility Charges and Landing Fees: Airlines and aircraft operators pay landing fees and charges for using Gladstone Airport facilities, governed by the Conditions of Use Agreement effective 1 July 2025.
2. Car Parking: Short-term and long-term public car parking fees ranging from $7 for first hour to $37 per day for short-term, and $26 per day for long-term. Revenue from lost parking tickets at $348 each.
3. Terminal Retail and Food & Beverage: Café ten28 operates coffee van and departure lounge restaurant, providing catering services. Terminal space is occupied by retail tenants including car rental operators (Avis, Budget, Hertz/Thrifty, Sixt).
4. Property and Tenancy Leases: Airport generates rental income from on-site tenants and contractors including building swipe card access, multi-user and single-user EKA (electronic key access), alarm codes, and car park access.
5. Ground Handling Services: Winkel Aviation Services provides ground handling services at the airport. The airport coordinates these services as part of its operational management.
6. Aeromedical Transfer Services: A new $5 million Patient Transfer Facility under construction will support over 700 aeromedical transfers per year, generating coordination and facility usage revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gladstone Airport operates a regional aviation gateway for Central Queensland, providing passenger terminal services, aircraft parking and apron coordination, short- and long-term car parking with the Tap, Park and Go contactless system, the on-site café ten28, partnered car hire and Heron Island helicopter/boat transfers, and on-airport business infrastructure (tenancy leases, ASIC/VIC security access, ADA airside driving authorization, and aeromedical patient transfer coordination).

Product overview

Gladstone Airport operates as a regional airport hub in Central Queensland, managed by Gladstone Airport Corporation (GAC). The airport's infrastructure includes Runway 10/28 (1920m, suitable for Boeing 737-800/Airbus A320), a terminal with departure and arrivals facilities, main parking apron with four bays, and seven private hangars. The airport serves as a gateway for the Gladstone Region's industrial, tourism, and FIFO workforce transportation needs, connecting passengers to QantasLink and Virgin Australia destinations. Core services include passenger handling, aircraft parking, security operations (ASIC/VIC systems), and ground handling via Winkel Aviation Services. The product portfolio encompasses operational management systems (Permit to Work, Authority to Drive Airside, Aircraft Parking Request, Crane Operations) and passenger services (Café ten28 catering, car parking with Tap and Go contactless payment, car hire, Heron Island transfers). The airport's Tier 2 Security Controlled status underpins its aviation security operations including CCTV monitoring, security screening, and restricted area access control.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Airport Terminal Services Daily passenger terminal operations including check-in, baggage handling coordination, security screening facilities, and general passenger assistance for travelers using Gladstone Airport.
• Car Parking (Short and Long Term) On-airport car parking offering short-term and long-term parking options with the Tap, Park and Go contactless payment system for passengers and visitors.
• Café ten28 On-airport café serving barista coffee, breakfast and lunch options, light snacks, and catering for airport tenants and travelers; offers pre-order and corporate catering.
• Car Hire Services Airport-facilitated car rental booking and on-site pickup with Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, and Sixt for inbound passengers and corporate travelers.
• Heron Island Transfers Helicopter and boat transfer coordination from Gladstone Airport to Heron Island and other Southern Great Barrier Reef destinations for leisure travelers.
• On-Airport Tenancy Leases Leasing of on-airport commercial buildings, hangars, and offices to aviation operators and aviation-related businesses, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Babcock Australasia, and CHC Helicopters.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 700 aeromedical transfers supported annually through a new purpose-built Patient Transfer Facility
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AviscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvis operates car rental services from the Gladstone Airport main foyer. Passengers can pre-book online or arrange rental upon arrival with in-house assistants. The partnership provides arriving passengers with convenient access to ground transportation, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• BudgetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBudget car rental operates from the Gladstone Airport terminal main foyer alongside other car rental brands, providing budget-conscious travelers with vehicle rental options upon arrival.
• Hertz/ThriftycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHertz and Thrifty (operating under the same franchise) provide car rental services from the airport terminal, serving both business and leisure travelers requiring ground transportation in the Gladstone Region.
• SixtcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSixt operates car rental services at Gladstone Airport, offering premium and standard vehicle options for arriving passengers. Great deals are available when booking with participating airlines.
• Blue and White TaxisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlue and White Taxis provide taxi services to and from Gladstone Airport. Taxis can be booked by calling 131 008, serving passengers who prefer or require taxi transportation to their destinations.
• CDC QueenslandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCDC Queensland provides public bus services connecting to Gladstone Airport. Schedules and route information are available on the CDC Queensland website, offering a cost-effective transport option for passengers.
• Marine Helicopter ChartercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine Helicopter Charter holds a CASA Air Operators Certificate and operates helicopter flights between Gladstone Airport and Heron Island (approx. 30 minutes). They also offer general charter services across Australia and up to 200nm from the mainland. A dedicated service desk and lounge facility is available at the airport arrivals terminal.
• Heron IslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeron Island is a premier tourist resort accessible via helicopter (30 min) or boat (approx. 2 hours) from Gladstone. Gladstone Airport serves as the gateway, with a dedicated lounge and service desk at the arrivals terminal for Heron Island guests. The partnership positions the airport as the entry point for Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism.
• Winkel Aviation ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWinkel Aviation Services provides ground handling services at Gladstone Airport, supporting aircraft turnaround operations for scheduled airlines and general aviation operators. Contact via email as listed on the airport's aviation information page.
• Airservices AustraliacoreOthersAirservices Australia provides Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) services at Gladstone Airport and publishes the En-Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) containing aeronautical information. They also manage the Type A Chart and Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) Chart documentation.
• Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for the 'Celebrate Australia 2025' exhibition showcasing artworks by local primary school students in the Departures Lounge. The exhibition, themed 'Who and what makes Australia great', runs until 6 August 2025 and is presented in partnership with the gallery.
• Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGAPDL invited Gladstone Region residents to participate in a community survey on the visitor economy to inform tourism marketing, regional development, and community engagement strategies. The airport supports GAPDL initiatives to promote the region as a tourism destination.
• QantasLinkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQantasLink is the primary airline operating scheduled commercial passenger services at Gladstone Airport, celebrating 25 years of connecting regional communities. The airline offers regular services connecting Gladstone to Brisbane and other Australian cities.
• Virgin AustraliacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVirgin Australia operates domestic passenger services at Gladstone Airport. Toll Air Express handles freight services for Virgin Australia domestic operations (excluding Virgin Australia Regional Airlines).
• Qantas FreightminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQantas Freight handles pet transport and freight services for Qantas-operated flights at Gladstone Airport. Local enquiries can be directed to a local phone number while national bookings go through the main Qantas Freight line.
• Toll Air ExpressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorToll Air Express is the designated freight provider for Virgin Australia domestic services at Gladstone Airport (excluding Virgin Australia Regional Airlines). Contact for rates and quotations via Toll Priority.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Avalon Airport: Avalon Airport is a regional Australian airport serving Melbourne's western growth corridor. GAC Director Kieran Donovan previously led Avalon Airport's expansion, indicating direct operational comparability in terms of runway length, secondary airport positioning, and ultra-low-cost carrier strategies.
• Mackay Airport: Mackay Airport is a Central Queensland regional airport of similar scale, supporting FIFO traffic to mining and resource projects. It is directly comparable in business model, customer mix (resource workers, tourists), and infrastructure footprint.
• Townsville Airport: Townsville Airport is a larger regional Queensland gateway with comparable defence, mining, and tourism demand drivers. It is comparable toGladstone in industrial/FIFO dependence and tourism connectivity, though at a larger scale.
• Launceston Airport: Launceston Airport is a regional Australian airport with comparable tourism and primary industry demand drivers. It is a peer in scale, governance structure (often council/privately-held), and reliance on a small catchment with strong tourism overlay.
• Sunshine Coast Airport: Sunshine Coast Airport is a Queensland regional airport with a strong tourism demand driver and recent runway expansion. It is comparable in business model (regional tourism + domestic connectivity) and demonstrates the runway extension pathway Gladstone may need to pursue.

Broad incumbents

• Perth Airport: Perth Airport is a major Australian airport that, despite its scale, is comparable in its diversified revenue model (aeronautical + retail + parking + property) and resource-sector driven demand. It benchmarks the operating playbook a well-run Australian regional airport can potentially scale toward.
• Cairns Airport: Cairns Airport is a major Queensland tourism gateway serving the Great Barrier Reef. It is comparable in its role as a regional airport with a tourism mandate, though at significantly larger scale with international service.

Others

• Regional Express Holdings: Rex is a regional Australian airline operator rather than an airport, but it is a key tenant-customer for airports like Gladstone. It is comparable as a stakeholder in regional aviation economics and a potential route partner, though it provides air services rather than operates infrastructure.

Regional players

• Rockhampton Airport: Rockhampton Airport is the primary nearby competitor serving a similar Central Queensland catchment. It draws from overlapping passenger pools (Gladstone's catchment is explicitly defined as extending from Rockhampton southward) and competes for airline route allocations and tourism traffic.
• Bundaberg Airport: Bundaberg Airport is a regional Queensland airport serving a comparable agricultural and tourism catchment. It competes with Gladstone for regional airline capacity and tourism traffic to the Southern Great Barrier Reef hinterland.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Gladstone Airport