Major upgrades at Mackay Airport to overhaul parking, shopping, security, check-in
More than 32,000 people will travel through Mackay Airport in the two week school holidays as it reveals a major expansion for its carpark, new retail stores, better check-in services, and security screening technology.
Mackay
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Major renovations at Mackay Airport are well under way with extra parking, new retail stores, bolstered security, a revamped check-in area, and new gardens all in the works.
The airport is back to, and at times exceeding, pre-Covid passenger levels, with new direct routes offered by new airline Bonza, which only started operating this year, bolstering local travel.
More than 32,000 people will travel through Mackay in the upcoming two-week school holidays, with staggered interstate holidays set to extend the passenger peak into October.
Mackay Airport head of operations Adrian Miles said the 247 new bays would raise the carpark’s numbers to a total 615 spots for travellers.
“We’ve got a lot of exciting things happening at Mackay Airport,” Mr Miles said.
“We’ve about to start construction of a new long-term carpark (and) inside the terminal we’ve had a lot of new improvements recently.”
“In the last few months, we’ve had a security point upgrade with the latest state-of-the-art security equipment.
“And we’ve taken the opportunity to upgrade our check-in area.”
Eight new automatic bag drop stations and 12 new self-service kiosks offer self-service check-in for customers of Jetstar, Bonza, and Virgin airlines.
Newsagent News@MKY also recently opened its doors in the departure lounge providing gifts, travel essentials and magazines.
Mr Miles said the security areas had also received an overhaul, in-line with federal requirements.
“We have been using new CT screening equipment and body scanning technology successfully for a number of months, which brings us in line with airports in capital cities and overseas,” he said.
“The body scanners are preferable for people who have medical implants such as hip or knee replacements. It means they will no longer be required to undergo a full secondary screening process.”
Mr Miles said Mackay Airport planned to have local musicians play live every weekend in its popular observation area.
“We’ve got probably one of the best outdoor observation areas in the country,” he said.
“So we encourage people to come out a little bit earlier to enjoy that music.”
He said these upgrades were the first stage of a range of improvements expected to come over the next few years, including more shops, seating, and charging facilities.
Mr Miles said Mackay Airport was “very proud” to partner with Mackay-based Vassallo Constructions to build the expansion of long-term parking.
Vassallo Constructions construction manager Brendan Vassallo said the project was expected to be completed by December 2023, in time for the holiday rush.
“This is a great project to be involved in,” Mr Vassallo said.
“There’ll be half a dozen to a dozen directly involved (from Vassallo Constructions) and then the subcontractors, electricians, and so forth that will be involved also.”
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