10 December 2024: Hamilton Island is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hamilton Island Airport – the only commercial jet airport in the Whitsunday Islands - marking four decades of connecting visitors to the heart of one of Australia's most iconic destinations: the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Since the inaugural flight touched down in 1984 to a fanfare of aloha shirts and cocktails, Hamilton Island Airport has become a vital hub for regional tourism and the Whitsundays community linking them to friends, family, and essential services.

"For 40 years, Hamilton Island Airport has connected visitors to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef," said Paul Watson, Acting Chief Operations Officer of Hamilton Island.

"The Airport plays a pivotal role in supporting the local visitor economy – welcoming over 500,000 travellers each year - while serving as a vital link for island residents. For many of us who live and work on Hamilton Island, the airport is integral to our daily lives, and we're proud of its contribution to the Whitsundays region."

Hamilton Island Airport has revolutionised access to the region, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane taking under three hours. Today it operates up to 16 commercial flights daily, serving major carriers Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, solidifying its status as one of Australia's most important regional airports.

"Hamilton Island Airport has transformed tourism in the Whitsundays, making it easier than ever for visitors to experience the region's natural wonders. It's not just a gateway - its where lifelong memories are made. Visitors who experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand leave with a deeper appreciation of the importance of protecting this iconic natural wonder," said Paul.

Since Australia's Oatley family acquired Hamilton Island in 2003, over $400 million has been invested in infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the airport. The latest development, 'The Sundays' - a 59-room luxury boutique hotel overlooking Catseye Bay - includes a new restaurant and bar helmed by award-winning culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland and is set to welcome guests in April 2025.

"As we celebrate Hamilton Island Airport's 40th year, we look forward to another four decades of providing convenient access to The Whitsundays' unique natural attractions and unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits," added Paul

To mark the occasion, Hamilton Island Airport staff - past and present, together with Acting CEO Nick Dowling and children from the Hamilton Island Community School, plan to surprise arriving passengers on 10 December with a warm Hamilton Island welcome, reminiscent of the celebration that greeted visitors on that first commercial flight in 1984.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Image Gallery

Hamilton Island Image Gallery

Hamilton Island Airport 40 Year Anniversary Celebration – images available on request.

Media enquiries

Caroline Denyer

Group Communications Manager, Hamilton Island

Email: pr@hamiltonisland.com.au

Phone: +61 (0)433 995 947

About Hamilton Island Airport

• The first commercial jet flight to land at Hamilton Island Airport was an Ansett Boeing flight which touched down at 2:30pm on Saturday 8 December 1984.
• Hamilton Island Airport is the only commercial jet airport in the Whitsunday Islands, offering unparalleled access to the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
• The airport services up to 16 flights daily from Australia's major east coast cities, providing visitors with seamless and convenient access to Hamilton Island in under three hours.
• As a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island Airport provides easy access to Hamilton Island and iconic locations such Whitehaven Beach—voted the World's #1 Best Beach by Tripadvisor 2021—and exclusive experiences like the 'Journey to the Heart' scenic flight to the Heart Reef pontoon.
• Passenger arrivals to Hamilton Island Airport have grown significantly over the past two decades, with over 500,000 passenger movements in 2023—nearly doubling the 280,000 movements recorded in 2003.
• Hamilton Island Airport supports a thriving local community of over 1,400 employees and permanent island residents.
• Tourism visitation to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 2023 totalled approximately 2 million visitor days.
• In 2024, Hamilton Island and its construction partner Fulton Hogan won the Australian Airport Association's 'Large Regional Airport Corporate Project of the Year Award' for its Pavement and Apron Upgrade Project.

About Hamilton Island

• Hamilton Island is the Southern Hemisphere's largest integrated island resort, offering diverse accommodation, over 20 dining options, a 300+ berth marina, and 65+ activities and experiences.
• Since being acquired by the Oatley family in 2003, Hamilton Island has received over $400 million in improvements. The most recent is The Sundays, a new 59-room luxury boutique hotel opening in April 2025, which adds to Hamilton Island's wide-range accommodation offerings, joining qualia, Beach Club, the Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and Hamilton Island Holiday Homes.
• Hamilton Island offers a unique Australian experience, with unspoiled landscapes, turquoise waters, secluded beaches, year-round temperatures averaging 27°C, and fascinating wildlife.
• Only 30% of Hamilton Island has been developed, preserving its natural beauty. Guests can explore over 12 kilometres of nature trails and secluded spots.
• The island offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga, parkruns, fitness classes, and treatments at Spa wumurdaylin, set in stunning surroundings.
• Hamilton Island hosts a variety of exciting annual events, such as 'Hamilton Island Race Week', the largest offshore keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, the 'Hamilton Island Endurance Series', and 'Pas de Deux in Paradise'—a bi-annual collaboration between The Australian Ballet and qualia.

www.hamiltonisland.com.au @hamiltonisland