Mackay Airport

What Mackay Airport does

Mackay Airport is a regional airport terminal operating in Mackay, Queensland, Australia, providing air transportation and business travel services to Central Queensland. Established in the 1930s and owned by North Queensland Airports (NQA), a private consortium with IIF Cairns Mackay Investment Ltd holding 66%, The Infrastructure Fund 27%, and Perron Investments 7%, the airport serves over one million passengers annually and generates approximately $1.2 billion in regional value-added economic activity supporting 13,000 jobs. Operations are anchored on four scheduled-service airline partnerships (Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Bonza, QantasLink) plus charter operators including Aircraft Australia and Horizon Airways, with routes spanning Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, and Cairns.

Core infrastructure comprises a terminal with eight automatic bag drop stations, twelve self-service kiosks, advanced CT screening equipment, and a newly expanded 615-bay long-term car park. Adjacent commercial assets include the 152-room ibis Mackay Airport hotel (managed by AccorHotels under a $30M NQA investment), terminal retail and F&B concessions operated by Cater Care, and the Milton Precinct commercial development offering 1,000-50,000m2 sites. The airport is currently executing a $60M+ upgrade program within a $1B 20-year redevelopment masterplan positioning it as Central Queensland's integrated multi-modal transport hub.

The revenue model is diversified across aeronautical services (landing fees, aircraft parking, government-mandated services), ground transport charges (taxis, ride-share, car hire park fees), parking (online pre-booking, walk-up), retail and F&B concessions, commercial property leasing, and ASIC/access card issuance ($25-450 per card). GTM motion combines channel partnerships with airlines to secure new routes and event-driven tourism marketing (sponsor of Twilight City Run, Mackay Cutters, Beach Horse Racing Festival, and Harrup Park sports tourism partnership). Sustainability positioning includes a CleanCo Queensland renewable energy agreement commencing January 2025 and a Net Zero emissions target for 2025.

Name

Mackay Airport

Legal name

Mackay Airport Pty Ltd

Website

https://mackayairport.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Mackay Airport is a regional Australian airport terminal serving Central Queensland, operating since the 1930s under owner North Queensland Airports. It handles over one million passengers annually across four airline partners, with adjacent commercial assets including ibis hotel, parking, retail, and the Milton Precinct development.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Operations

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG)

Keywords

• Regional airport services
• Air passenger transport
• Aviation ground operations
• Airport commercial leasing
• Airport parking services

Headquarters

HQ city

Mackay

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, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Aeronautical Services: Charges for aircraft operators using the airport, including landing fees and aircraft parking. Covered under Standard Conditions of Use for aviation services and government mandated services.
2. Car Parking: On-site car parking services with online booking capability. Long-term car park expansion adding 247 bays bringing total to 615 spaces.
3. Retail and Food & Beverage Concessions: Terminal retail and dining outlets including The Botanist Kitchen and Bar, Carlyle and River Coffee Co., Red Rooster, Boost Juice, News@MKY, Travel@MKY, and Turbarlence at Ibis Mackay. Operated by Cater Care.
4. Property and Commercial Leasing: Commercial property leasing including Milton Precinct (1,000m2 to 50,000m2 sites), retail opportunities, advertising opportunities, and leasing opportunities. Also includes ibis Mackay hotel.
5. Ground Transport Charges: Park charges for taxis, ground transport operators, and ride-share services operating at the airport.
6. Security and Access Services: ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) issuance and renewals, access cards, and visitor passes. ASIC fees: New ASIC $450, U18 ASIC $200, Reprints $80.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Mackay Airport operates a regional airport terminal providing air transportation services and supporting business and leisure travel for Central Queensland. It delivers aeronautical infrastructure for scheduled airlines (Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Bonza, QantasLink), on-site long-term car parking, terminal retail and food & beverage concessions, an adjacent ibis hotel, ground transport coordination, and aviation security identification (ASIC) services. The airport also develops and leases commercial property within the Milton Precinct and operates freight/cargo handling capacity for regional industries.

Product overview

Mackay Airport operates as a regional airport offering a unified passenger service portfolio centered on flight operations and travel facilitation. The core offerings include flight information services, multiple airline partnerships (including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Bonza, and QantasLink), and essential passenger amenities. Add-on services include on-site car parking (with long-term expansion), transport options (taxis, ride-sharing, car hire), retail shops, and food & beverage outlets. The airport also features Ibis Mackay Airport hotel and provides ID & access services for aviation security identification. Recent expansions include new CT screening equipment, self-service kiosks, and automated bag drop stations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Long-Term Car Parking On-site long-term car parking at Mackay Airport with 615 bays following expansion from 368. Includes online pre-booking system, entry/exit management, and walk-up availability for departing and arriving passengers.
• ibis Mackay Airport Hotel 152-room on-site hotel adjacent to the Mackay Airport terminal, operated by AccorHotels under the ibis brand. Rooms from $129 per night, featuring queen size Sweet Bed, Samsung smart TV, USB port, blackout blinds, on-site restaurant and bar, gymnasium, and Wi-Fi.
• Terminal Food & Beverage Outlets Food and beverage options inside the terminal including The Botanist Café Kitchen & Bar, Carlyle & River Coffee Co., Red Rooster, and Boost Juice, operated by Cater Care, serving travelers and visitors.
• Terminal Retail Shops Terminal retail offerings including News@MKY for gifts, travel essentials, magazines, books, and specialty products, plus Travel@MKY travel agency.
• ID & Access Services (ASIC) Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) processing, MAPL Access Cards, Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) applications, and visitor passes administered through the ID & Access Office. Includes background checks, Security Awareness Training, and renewals.
• Aeronautical Services (Landing and Aircraft Parking) Landing fees and aircraft parking charges for airline operators and general aviation using Mackay Airport, governed under the airport's Standard Conditions of Use.
• Milton Precinct Commercial Property Leasing Commercial property development offering 1,000m² to 50,000m² sites with direct airside access on the eastern side of Milton Street for aviation-related, freight, cold storage, manufacturing, technology, entertainment, and education tenants.
• Freight and Cargo Services Exploration and operation of regional freight hub capacity for agricultural exports and METS (Mining Equipment, Technology and Services) sector cargo, with potential air freight logistics development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,000 jobs and $1.2 billion annual value added revenue generated for regional economy
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CleanCo QueenslandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 February 2024State-owned clean energy provider partnership commencing January 2025. Six-year agreement provides 100% renewable electricity for airport and tenants. Renewable energy primarily from Kaban Green Energy Hub near Ravenshoe. Supports Net Zero emissions target by 2025 and carbon-neutral airport status.
• Harrup ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 October 2023Strategic partnership with Harrup Park's Great Barrier Reef Arena (10,000 seat facility) to attract major national and international sporting events. Arena hosting Olympic cricket preparations for Brisbane 2032. Partnership aims to grow sports tourism and regional economic benefits.
• BonzacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 February 2022Australia's only independent low-cost carrier operating seven flights per week from Mackay to Sunshine Coast (3x), Melbourne (2x), and Cairns (2x). New routes add over 2,500 weekly seats. Bonza's all-digital app-based approach eliminates paper passes. Subject to regulatory approval for operations.
• Orange SkyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 December 2021Charity partnership providing personal care packs for distribution to disadvantaged community members experiencing homelessness. Orange Sky has operated in Mackay since October 2017 providing laundry services. Mackay Airport supports with employee-contributed gift items during Christmas.
• Mackay Isaac TourismcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 October 2021Regional tourism organization (formerly Mackay Tourism). Joint marketing campaigns include MAKE IT Mackay Isaac destination campaign. Mackay Tourism invested $40K in partnership with airport for visitor promotion. Collaboration supports regional tourism recovery post-COVID with focus on intrastate and interstate markets.
• Aircraft AustraliaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 October 2021New flight training and air charter tenant operating from Mackay Airport. Partnership with Central Queensland University provides pathway for local aviation students. Capacity to train 500 students annually across Queensland centers, with 80 students expected in Mackay initially.
• Central Queensland University (CQU)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2021Education partnership through Aircraft Australia providing Bachelor of Aviation, Graduate Diploma in Flight Management and Aircraft Engineering programs at Mackay Airport. Enables local students to complete aviation training without leaving the region.
• North Queensland Airports (NQA)coreOthers · 7 March 2018NQA owns and operates Mackay Airport along with Cairns Airport. Ownership structure: IIF Cairns Mackay Investment Ltd (66%), The Infrastructure Fund (27%), Perron Investments (7%). NQA provides executive management including CEO Richard Barker and manages strategic development, capital investment, and operational oversight.
• Mackay Marina Run (Twilight City Run)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Naming rights sponsor of annual Twilight City Run event since 2018, extended through 2025. Partnership supports community health and fitness while promoting Mackay to visitors. Event expected to attract 800+ participants and raise funds for Leukaemia Foundation.
• AccorHotels (ibis Mackay)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 May 2015International hotel operator managing the 152-room ibis Mackay Airport hotel. NQA invested $30M in the property and surrounding development. The hotel is the only accommodation in the airport precinct, located just outside the main terminal. Room rates from $129/night.
• JetstarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQantas-owned low-cost carrier providing domestic and interstate services. Routes include Sydney (seasonal service from December 2021), Gold Coast, and Melbourne. Jetstar celebrated 10th anniversary at Mackay in 2014. Services operated on A320 aircraft.
• Virgin AustraliacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor domestic carrier operating up to 4 services per day between Brisbane and Mackay (3 daily plus additional service from June 2021). Part of tourism marketing partnerships with Mackay Tourism and Queensland Government. Participated in Domestic Aviation Restart program.
• Milton Precinct Development PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpressions of Interest called for businesses to develop the new Milton Precinct on airport land. Located on eastern side of Milton Street with direct airside access. Sites range from 1,000m2 to 50,000m2. Focus on freight, cold storage, manufacturing, technology, entertainment, and education.
• Cairns AirportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister airport also owned and operated by North Queensland Airports. NQA leverages shared expertise, resources, and commercial relationships across both airports. Cairns Airport provides international passenger growth experience (20%+ consistently) applicable to Mackay development.
• Mackay CutterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsorship of rugby league club through North Queensland Cowboys pathways program. Supports U17, U19, and BMD Women's divisions. Club represents region at state and national levels. Partnership promotes Mackay to wider audiences and attracts visitors for games.
• Horizon AirwaysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharter services provider operating from Mackay Airport alongside Aircraft Australia. Offers local students pathway opportunities to aviation careers. Potential for expanded charter services across Whitsunday region.
• Ground Transport Operators (Taxi, Ride-share)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGround transportation operators including taxis, Uber, Ola, and Sheebah providing passenger pick-up and drop-off services. Ride-share services meet national guidelines. Uber officially joined in March 2022 expanding passenger transfer options.
• Mackay Regional CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner supporting airport operations and regional development. Collaborated on 101 Things to Do in Mackay Region initiative, tourism marketing, and infrastructure planning. Council representation in aviation connectivity discussions.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Launceston Airport: Regional Australian airport of similar scale serving Tasmania's north; operated with comparable infrastructure and route-development profile, and a relevant benchmark for regional Australian airport economics.
• Townsville Airport: Closest geographic and competitive peer — another regional Queensland airport of similar scale, serving a comparable mining/resources catchment and competing for the same airline route decisions and FIFO traffic.
• Hobart Airport: Regional Australian airport with comparable passenger throughput and a similar diversified revenue model (aeronautical, parking, retail, property). Tasmanian tourism exposure parallels Mackay's reliance on intrastate/interstate leisure demand.
• Gold Coast Airport: Regional Queensland airport with overlapping leisure and tourism demand drivers and similar exposure to low-cost carriers (Jetstar, Bonza, Virgin). Operates an analogous diversified revenue model across aeronautical, parking, retail, and property.
• Newcastle Airport: Australian regional airport of comparable passenger scale (1M+ annually) with a similar mining/resources and tourism catchment profile; recently transitioned to majority private ownership (InfraRed Capital Partners) — a useful valuation comparable for a regional Australian airport asset.
• Rockhampton Airport: Regional Central Queensland airport of comparable scale serving the Capricorn region, with overlapping mining, agriculture, and tourism demand drivers and a similar airline mix including QantasLink and Virgin Australia services.
• Sunshine Coast Airport: Regional Queensland airport recently expanded via a new runway, competing for leisure traffic and low-cost carrier capacity (including Bonza). Comparable in scale and in the early stage of a multi-year infrastructure and route-development cycle.
• Cairns Airport: Sister airport under North Queensland Airports (NQA), the same private consortium that owns Mackay. Operates with overlapping commercial property, F&B, and parking business models and shares executive leadership; directly comparable on airport operating economics and infrastructure investment cadence.

Broad incumbents

• Brisbane Airport Corporation: Larger Queensland capital-city airport with overlapping airline partner relationships (Virgin Australia, QantasLink, Jetstar) and a broader retail/property footprint. Not a direct competitor for Mackay's catchment but a relevant operator comparable for terminal commercial strategy.
• Perth Airport: Major Australian airport with a comparable diversified revenue model spanning aeronautical, retail, parking, property, and hotels. Useful as a benchmark for how a regional gateway scales into a multi-modal commercial hub — and was the prior employer of Mackay's former CEO.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MackayAirport
• Facebookfacebook.com/MackayAirport
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mackay-airport
• Instagraminstagram.com/mackayairport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mackay Airport