Townsville airport to replace escalators in terminal upgrade
The escalators at Townsville airport are often out of order but now airport authorities have revealed a new plan of action.
Townsville
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Relief is in sight for footsore travellers at Townsville airport with news that its busted escalators are to be replaced but exactly when is unclear.
An airport spokeswoman said the escalators — which travellers say have been broken down for much of the year — would be replaced with a new set of escalators later this year.
“We appreciate that this has been an ongoing problem and as such, the escalators are being replaced later this year as part of our ongoing terminal upgrade works to improve reliability and ensure our customers enjoy a more comfortable airport experience,” the spokeswoman said.
“We appreciate the understanding of the community while these works are carried out.”
Passengers say they can’t remember a time when at least one set of escalators were not working. It is understood there have been difficulties getting spare parts.
A sign at the airport says maintenance of the escalators is “in progress”.
The spokeswoman said the airport had invested around $18m in terminal upgrades over the past two years.
With the support of a federal government grant, state-of-the-art technology was installed in the security screening zone to streamline the passenger screening process and enhance security service outcomes.
Also, check-in facilities, retail spaces and landside amenities were refurbished, including the addition of a striking 150sq m artwork by local artist Brenda Stone.
The spokeswoman said the next of phase of work was the refurbishment of the departures lounge which included the replacement and reconfiguration of the escalators.
“Additionally, Townsville Airport has recently released its Preliminary Draft 2023 Masterplan which guides the strategic vision and development objectives of the airport over the next 20 years, with a more detailed focus on the initial 8 years,” the spokeswoman said.
The Draft Masterplan is currently open to community feedback, a copy can be found on Townsville Airport’s website.
Airport owner Queensland Airports reported a net profit of $21.64m in 2022 after a loss of $8.93m in 2021 and a profit of $2.71m in 2020.
Originally published as Townsville airport to replace escalators in terminal upgrade
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