Albany Airport

Albany Airport, officially known as Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport, is a welcoming aviation hub that opens the doors to the amazing Great Southern region for travellers. Located amidst the picturesque landscapes of Western Australia, it sets the tone for a calm and measured holiday rhythm from the very first minutes, providing an escape from the bustle of big cities. Your journey to majestic granite cliffs, historic landmarks, and the pristine white beaches for which the city and its surroundings are famous begins here. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the life of the region, ensuring a reliable connection with the outside world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Albany Airport is its compactness and convenience. Thanks to the small passenger flow and the smart layout of the terminal, all pre-flight procedures, from check-in to security screening, take mere minutes. This allows tourists to avoid long queues and the stress typical of large international hubs, dedicating more time to relaxation.

The airport is named after Harry Riggs, an aviation pioneer, highlighting its historical significance to the region. Despite its status as a regional hub, the airport's infrastructure was recently modernised, ensuring a high level of safety and the ability to accommodate modern aircraft. The runway is capable of servicing jet aircraft connecting the city with the state capital, Perth.

Another important feature is its strategic location. The airport is situated in close proximity to major tourist routes leading to national parks and the coast. The presence of car rental desks directly in the terminal makes it an ideal starting point for independent road trips across the picturesque south of Western Australia.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, save the contact information for Albany Airport. Here, we have gathered all the main methods of communication and useful data.

• Official Website: You can always find the most complete and up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules on the official website: albanyairport.com.au.
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information and enquiries, you can call: +61 8 9841 9333.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: 440 Albany Highway, Drome WA 6330, Australia. This data will be useful for your navigation system or taxi driver.
• Email: For official enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's website.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active pages on social networks. The official website remains the primary source of news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you encounter an issue with lost or damaged luggage, you should contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you may contact the main help desk number.

Getting to Albany Airport (ALH), which is located approximately 11 kilometres northwest of the city centre of Albany, can be done in several ways. On average, a car journey takes about 15-20 minutes. As this is a regional airport in Australia, transport options differ from major metropolises, and it is worth planning your trip in advance.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most popular and reliable ways to reach the airport. Local taxi services operate in the city and can be called by phone or found at designated ranks. The cost of a trip from the city centre will be approximately 30-40 Australian dollars. You can also book a private transfer or shuttle in advance, which is particularly convenient for families or travellers with a lot of luggage. This option guarantees that you will be met at the appointed time.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Albany. Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) have offices both in the city itself and directly at the airport. You can rent a car upon arrival or return it at the airport before departure. This is the most flexible way to travel, giving you complete freedom.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking located in immediate proximity to the terminal. Parking rates at regional airports are generally more affordable compared to large international hubs.

It is important to note that there is usually no direct public transport, such as regular city buses or trains, to the Albany Airport terminal. Therefore, tourists without a car should rely on taxis or shuttle services. It is recommended to check and book transport in advance, especially if your flight is early in the morning or late in the evening.

Albany Airport (ALH) is a small regional airport with one passenger terminal that services all domestic flights. Thanks to its compactness, navigation within it is intuitive and causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal has a simple and logical layout. Immediately at the entrance, airline check-in counters and car rental desks are located. This is followed by a small security screening area, after which passengers enter the departure lounge. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building, with a separate exit to the baggage claim belt and the general terminal area.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All services and zones—from check-in to boarding—are within walking distance of each other. Inside the terminal, there are basic amenities, including restrooms and a small waiting area. There are no specialised shops or large cafes here, which is typical for small regional airports.

Completing all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, usually takes very little time. During peak moments, small queues may arise, but overall the process moves very quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check in luggage and pass security without rushing. For navigation, simply follow the few clear signs that will guide you from the building entrance to the boarding gate.

The history of Albany Airport (ALH), also known as Albany Regional Airport, is closely linked to the development of the entire Great Southern region in Western Australia. The air gateway at its current location was officially opened in 1964, replacing the old airfield in Harewood, which had been used since the Second World War. This step was key to improving transport accessibility for the city and stimulating its economic growth.

Since its founding, the airport has gone through several important stages of modernisation. Initially, it was a modest facility with basic infrastructure capable of receiving small aircraft. However, with the region's growing needs in the 1980s and 1990s, significant work was carried out to expand and strengthen the runway. This allowed the airport to begin receiving larger turboprop and even jet aircraft, significantly reducing travel time to Perth and other cities.

One of the most significant achievements in the airport's history was a major reconstruction completed around 2018-2020. As part of this multi-million dollar project, the runway was completely renewed, a modern lighting system was installed, and the terminal building was upgraded. These improvements not only increased the safety and efficiency of the airport's operations but also prepared it for future passenger growth.

An interesting fact: throughout its history, the airport has played and continues to play a vital role for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It serves as a base for emergency medical evacuations, ensuring access to medical care for residents of remote areas. Today, Albany Airport is not just a transport hub, but an integral part of the region's life, supporting tourism, business, and social services.

Albany Airport (ALH), despite its compact size, offers passengers a set of key services for a comfortable wait before departure. There is a cafe in the terminal where you can have a snack, drink coffee, and purchase beverages or light refreshments for the road. The selection of shops is small, but you can find newspapers, souvenirs, and some essential items here.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Charging stations for electronic devices are also provided in the waiting lounges. Although there are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable.

The airport is equipped to welcome all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, there is a baby care room with a changing table. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on assistance from staff, and the terminal infrastructure, including restrooms and ramps, is adapted to their needs.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed within the terminal. Please note that full-service currency exchange points may be absent here, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city beforehand. In case of necessity, first aid can be provided at the airport.

Hotels are not located directly within the airport building; however, in the city of Albany itself, which is a short drive from the terminal, a wide selection of accommodation options is available. Specialised business centres or conference halls are absent at the airport, but such services are often offered by major hotels in the city.

Albany Airport (ALH) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite compact but sufficient for a snack before departure or a coffee upon arrival. The main and, typically, the only place to eat is the cafe located in the main terminal building.

This cafe is situated in the public area (landside), meaning before security control, which is convenient for both departing passengers and those meeting them. Here you will be offered a standard range for a quick bite: sandwiches, rolls, fresh pastries, pies, as well as various snacks, crisps, and chocolates. Of course, you can order hot and cold drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and tea. It is an ideal place to grab something for the road or leisurely drink a coffee while waiting for your flight.

Regarding special dietary preferences, the choice may be limited. Usually, basic vegetarian sandwiches can be found on the menu, but finding certified gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes will be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to arrange food in advance. Prices in the cafe are average for airports. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and may vary, but generally, it is open during departure and arrival periods.

Thus, Albany Airport is excellent for a quick snack. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner with a wide selection of dishes, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Albany before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Albany Airport goes as comfortably as possible, make use of these tips. For domestic flights within Australia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60–90 minutes before departure. Although this is a small regional airport, the extra time will allow you to complete all procedures without haste. If possible, check in for your flight online—this will save you time at the check-in counters.

Security screening here usually proceeds faster than in large hubs. Nevertheless, the rules are standard: prepare your boarding pass and identification in advance. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage—no more than 100 ml in a single container, packed in a transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags for separate scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, which are particularly picturesque in this region. If the ability to stand up and leave freely is important to you, choose an aisle seat. For greater comfort on short flights, you can bring a neck pillow and headphones.

Passengers with connections, especially if the next flight is also domestic (for example, to Perth), have nothing to worry about—the process is usually very simple. Regarding customs control, since Albany Airport primarily serves domestic flights, most passengers are not required to pass through it. You will only encounter standard security checks.

To save money, book flight tickets in advance and consider travelling with hand luggage only to avoid baggage fees. Food and drink prices at the airport can be high, so you can bring an empty reusable water bottle (fill it after security) and light snacks that are permitted for carriage.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. Remain calm and clarify whether you are entitled to compensation, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay. The small size of Albany Airport means that finding the necessary counter or boarding gate will be easy.