Alice Springs Airport

Alice Springs Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the main aerial gateway to Australia's legendary "Red Centre." Located in the midst of the boundless desert, this terminal welcomes travellers with the unique atmosphere of the outback and bright sunshine that shines here almost all year round. From here, breathtaking routes begin to the famous Uluru rock, Kings Canyon, and other natural wonders of the Northern Territory. For many tourists, their introduction to the continent's wild nature starts right on the runway of this colourful airport.

The airport boasts several unique features that distinguish it from other regional hubs:

Aircraft "Boneyard": Thanks to the exceptionally dry desert climate, the airport grounds host the first aircraft storage facility in the Asia-Pacific region. Airliners from all over the world are preserved and maintained here, creating an impressive and slightly surreal industrial landscape.

Stratospheric Launches: The airfield is occasionally used by scientific organisations, including NASA, for launching stratospheric balloons. The remote location and clear skies make it an ideal site for space and atmospheric research.

Sustainability: The airport actively utilises solar energy. A significant portion of the terminal's needs is covered by its own large-scale solar power station, which is symbolic for one of the sunniest places on the planet.

Comfort in the Desert: Despite its distance from megacities, the terminal offers modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, shower facilities, cafés, and shops featuring souvenirs and art by local Aboriginal artists.

Below you will find contact information for Alice Springs Airport (ASP), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: www.alicespringsairport.com.au
• Help Desk Phone: +61 8 8951 1211
• Address: Santa Teresa Rd, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport maintains pages on social networks. Current links can be found on their official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items on board the aircraft, you should contact your airline directly. regarding items lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport lost and found service via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support: For general inquiries and assistance at the airport, you can contact the information desk or call the help desk number.

Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is located approximately 15 kilometres south of the city centre of Alice Springs. There are several ways to reach it, and the journey from the centre usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences, but reaching the terminal is straightforward in any case.

The most popular and economical method is the special shuttle bus (Airport Shuttle). Several private companies offer transfer services, meeting and seeing off passengers for all scheduled flights. It is recommended to book a seat in advance online or by phone, especially during the peak tourist season. The cost of a one-way trip is usually around 16-20 Australian dollars. A major advantage of the shuttle is that it collects passengers directly from hotels and other key points in the city.

Taking a taxi is a faster and more comfortable, though more expensive, option. This is a good choice for small groups, families with children, or travellers with a large amount of luggage. Taxis can be ordered by phone, via an app, or found at designated ranks in the city. A trip from the centre to the airport will cost approximately 45-55 Australian dollars.

If you have been travelling through central Australia in a rental car, you can easily return it at one of the rental company offices (Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, etc.) directly at the airport. This is a very convenient way to conclude your outback journey. For those driving their own vehicle, the airport provides paid parking. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, with costs depending on the duration of the stay.

It is important to note that regular public transport routes do not serve the airport directly. Therefore, for travel to the airport, you should rely on shuttles, taxis, or personal/rental cars. Given the remoteness of the region, it is recommended to plan your departure to the airport with a little extra time.

Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is distinguished by a simple and convenient structure, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time. The airport consists of one main terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and regional (including charters).

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The building is a single space where all key zones are located within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transferring between terminals, as all operations take place under one roof. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general area housing airline check-in counters and car rental desks.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly demarcated. After checking in for a flight, passengers pass through a single security screening point, beyond which lies the departure lounge. Here you will find boarding gates, a small shop, and a café. The arrival zone is located in another part of the terminal and includes baggage claim belts and the exit to the taxi and bus stand.

Thanks to the compact size of the airport, completing all pre-flight formalities typically does not take much time. The check-in and security screening process usually proceeds quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before your flight departure to check in luggage and pass through control without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. Since everything is located in one building, it is practically impossible to get lost. The distances between check-in counters, the security zone, and boarding gates are minimal, making the experience at Alice Springs Airport maximally comfortable and stress-free.

The history of Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is not just the story of a transport hub, but a chronicle of the development of Central Australia. Although the first airfield appeared in the city back in 1921, the modern airport was established in 1940 as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base and was known as "Seven Mile Aerodrome." Its strategic location in the very heart of the continent made it a key facility during World War II, when it served as an important base for transit, repair, and supply of aircraft heading to the country's northern borders.

After the war ended, the airport was transferred to civil use, and a new chapter in its development began. The old city airfield was finally closed in 1968, and all aviation activity was concentrated at the current site. In the 1960s, the runway was significantly lengthened to accommodate modern jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 727. This opened Alice Springs to a new era of tourism and commercial transport, connecting the remote region with Australia's major cities.

Significant modernisation occurred in 1991, when a new modern terminal was opened, capable of serving the growing passenger flow. In 1998, the airport was privatised and came under the management of Northern Territory Airports. Since then, it has been constantly improving, maintaining high standards of safety and comfort for travellers arriving in the Red Centre of Australia.

The airport's history also holds several intriguing facts. For example, thanks to its long runway and stable weather conditions, Alice Springs was chosen by NASA as one of the reserve emergency landing sites for space shuttles. Furthermore, the dry and hot climate has made the airport an ideal place for long-term aircraft storage. It hosts one of the largest "aircraft boneyards" in the Southern Hemisphere, where airliners from around the world await their fate, which has become particularly noticeable in recent years.

Alice Springs Airport (ASP), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you will find amenities that make your stay pleasant, whether it is the start of your journey through the outback of Australia or its conclusion.

Within the terminal, there are cafés and dining venues where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments before departure. Shops are also available where you can purchase souvenirs, press, books, and essential items. This is an excellent place to buy memorable gifts or something you forgot to pack.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport features the Qantas Club Lounge. Other travellers can utilise the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal to stay connected. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. If you need to conduct a business meeting, the airport offers a conference room for rent.

The terminal is equipped with ATMs where you can withdraw cash. However, currency exchange services may be limited, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city beforehand. In case first aid is required, please approach any airport staff member.

The airport is equipped for the convenience of passengers with children and people with reduced mobility. There are parenting rooms equipped with everything necessary for infant care. For passengers requiring special assistance, accessible toilets and ramps are provided. It is recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, many accommodation options are located in the city of Alice Springs, just a 15-minute drive away. You can reach them via the shuttle, which runs regularly between the airport and major hotels, or by taxi.

Despite its compact dimensions, Alice Springs Airport (ASP) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. The main catering establishments are concentrated in the main hall of the terminal, in the area before security control (landside), making them easily accessible for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

The central place to eat is The Barra & Bean Cafe. Here you will find a wide selection of dishes: from light snacks and fresh pastries to hearty hot meals. For those in a hurry, the Gourmet & Go kiosk operates nearby, offering drinks, sandwiches, and snacks that are convenient to take on board the aircraft.

If you wish to try something with local flair, look for dishes made with Barramundi fish — this is an iconic product for Australia, and its name figures in the main café's title for a reason. Additionally, the menu always includes classic international options: burgers, salads, and, of course, excellent coffee, without which an Australian morning is unimaginable.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are usually available in the café, such as salads or meat-free sandwiches. The availability of vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes is limited, so it is recommended to clarify information directly with the staff. Prices correspond to the average level for airports — be prepared to pay slightly more than in the city.

For a quick snack, coffee with fresh pastries or a ready-made sandwich is ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, feel free to order a hot dish at The Barra & Bean Cafe. It is important to note that the operating hours of food outlets are aligned with the flight schedule, ensuring service for passengers throughout the airport's operational day.

To ensure your journey from Alice Springs goes smoothly, arrive at the airport well in advance. For domestic flights within Australia, it is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before departure. Although Alice Springs Airport is not as large as capital city airports, this time will be sufficient for calm check-in and security screening, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Most airlines offer online check-in, which saves significant time. Take advantage of this opportunity to select a seat and receive your boarding pass in advance. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, you can head straight to the security checkpoint. The security procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag, as well as present liquids in a transparent bag.

When packing hand luggage, remember the restrictions on carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels — no more than 100 ml per container, packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects and other prohibited items are not allowed on board. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that flying over the Australian outback offers unforgettable views. If you want to enjoy the scenery, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and freedom of movement, an aisle seat is suitable.

Alice Springs Airport is small and convenient for transfers between domestic flights. Distances between boarding gates are minimal, allowing for quick movement. Customs and border control are only undergone by passengers on rare international (mostly charter) flights. Australia is famous for strict biosecurity rules, so it is strictly prohibited to bring in fresh food products, plants, and seeds. Be sure to declare all such items to avoid large fines.

To save money, book your transfer from the airport to the city and back in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it at special fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so a light snack brought from home (if permitted by airline and security rules) will also help reduce expenses.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for the latest information. Monitor updates on the departure boards and in the carrier's mobile app. The airport has several cafés and shops where you can spend time while waiting. Check with the airline if you are entitled to a voucher for food or drinks during a long delay.