Ayres Rock Airport (AYQ)

Ayers Rock Airport also known as Connellan Airport is situated near Yulara, approximately 463 kilometres and a 5 hour drive from Alice Springs. The airport is 6km from the Ayres Rock Resort and just a 20 minute drive to there or Uluru. Arriving and departing flights offer a unique opportunity to see Uluru’s breathtaking landscape. Although a minimal airport, almost 300,000 visitors utilise this airport every year.

Servicing Airlines

A number of carriers operate to Ayres Rock airport. Jetstar has 4 flights weekly to Sydney. Qantaslink operated by Cobham has services to Alice Springs and Cairns. Fly Tiwi operates to Darwin and Virgin Australia also flies to Sydney.

Ayres Rock also has a number of scenic flights that are offered by different private charters and facilities for privately owned aircrafts.

The Airport

There is one main terminal, which houses 4 sections of the airport. Upon arrival, the baggage carousel is easily located in the Arrivals area; this is the only conveyor of the airport. There are also rental car facilities located here. Visitors arriving should note that there are no Taxi’s available in Ayres Rock. Free shuttle buses are available to the local Ayres Rock Resort or private pick will need to be organised with your chosen hotel or accommodation. Car parking is available, however; it is limited with designated pick up and drop off points.

At the lounge area without security screening, there is a Café and Gift shop for your snack and souvenir needs. If you like a tipple there is a Bar/café that serves alcohol. If you require any beverages or food after the security screening there is also another café located beyond that point. A public telephone and Internet facilities can also be accessed. When departing, passengers should note that the Ticketing Sales Counter can only issue domestic ticketing services and it has limited opening hours. The Check-in counter can be found on the ground floor and is manned briefly in the mornings to early afternoons. Passengers departing should take care if travelling with children, as the departure gates are double glass doors that exit directly onto the runway.

Ayers Rock Airport offers convenient access to Ayres Rock/ Uluru. The UNESCO World Heritage site can no longer be climbed for conservation and cultural respect.  The area is managed and protected by Parks Australia and offers a range of tours, walks, sunrise/sunset viewings and presentations. Uluru - Kata Tjuta also offers in-depth cultural experiences with rock art, language, food and values.

Ayers Rock Climate

Visitors preparing to visit Uluru will need to take proper precautions, as the average climate of the area is exceptionally warm. Heats will peak from November to March and cool down to the low 20s in winter. However, the nights in the summer can reach as low as −5°C. There are very high levels of UV experienced in the area at all times of the year, averaging 11 to 15 on the index.