Townsville Airport / RAAF Base Townsville

Townsville Airport / RAAF Base Townsville is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the AU AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Townsville Airport serves as a critical dual-use facility for civilian and military aviation in northeastern Queensland, Australia. Located at 18 feet elevation near the coast, the airport supports both commercial passenger operations and RAAF base activities. Its strategic positioning makes it an important transportation hub for the North Queensland region.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Townsville are predominantly favorable for flying, with VFR conditions present 82.1% of the time. The airport experiences consistent easterly winds averaging 9.3 knots, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 36°C and an average of 26.7°C. Visibility remains excellent, typically around 10 statute miles, with minimal instances of reduced visibility or fog.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: the primary 01/19 runway at 7,999 feet and a secondary 07/25 runway of 3,609 feet. Both runways demonstrate highly favorable wind alignments, with 100% wind compatibility. The terrain surrounding Townsville is relatively flat, facilitating straightforward approach and departure paths.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect consistent wind conditions favoring both runways, with average crosswinds of 6.5 knots on runway 01/19 and 4.8 knots on runway 07/25. The best visual flying months are September, October, and November, offering optimal meteorological conditions for arrivals and departures. The easterly prevailing winds provide predictable approach characteristics for most operations.