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Raglan Airport

About the Airport

Raglan Airport is not a massive international hub, but rather a cozy and modern gateway to the heart of the Central Tablelands region in Australia. It is from here that your acquaintance begins with a historic city famous for its racing circuit and Gold Rush heritage. For many travellers, it becomes the starting point for exploring the picturesque landscapes of New South Wales. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, offering convenient connections to Sydney and other cities.

Raglan Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code BHS
ICAO Code YBTH
City Bathurst
Distance to Centre About 8 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers About 25,000
Popular Airlines Regional Express (Rex)

The main advantage of Raglan Airport is its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or exhausting transfers between terminals here, making the check-in and boarding process as fast and comfortable as possible. This is the ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer a calm start to their journey.

The airport offers all necessary services for travellers. You can rent a car directly within the terminal building, which is extremely convenient for further exploration of the region. There is also a small café and a comfortable waiting area. In addition to scheduled flights, the airport is actively used for private aviation, charter flights, and flight schools, underscoring its importance to the local infrastructure.

Contact Information

Below you will find the main contact information for Raglan Airport (BHS), serving the city of Bathurst. Please note that the airport is managed by the local council, so many contact details lead to its resources.

  • Official Website: Bathurst Airport (Raglan) is under the jurisdiction of the Bathurst Regional Council. Up-to-date information should be sought on their official website in the section dedicated to the airport (Bathurst Aerodrome).
  • Information Service Phone: For general information, it is recommended to contact the Bathurst Regional Council. The contact phone number is best verified on their official website.
  • Airport Address: Pymonts Lane, Raglan NSW 2795, Australia.
  • Email: A direct email for the airport may not be publicly available. A contact form on the managing council's website is most often used for communication.
  • Social Media: If the airport has official pages on social networks, links to them are typically posted on its official website.
  • Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled directly by the airlines. Please contact your air carrier's support service.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to tickets, flight schedules, and check-in, please contact your airline. For general questions about airport infrastructure, refer to the official website.

How to Get to the Airport

Raglan Airport (BHS) is located approximately 10 kilometres east of the city centre of Bathurst, making it easily accessible for travellers. Despite its proximity to the city, it is a small regional airfield, so transport options have their own specifics. Here are the main ways to get to the airport.

Taxi, Transfer, and Ridesharing
The simplest and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or a car booked via a ridesharing app (such as Uber). The trip from the centre of Bathurst usually takes about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of a taxi ride is 25–40 Australian dollars. For greater convenience and a fixed price, you can pre-book a private transfer, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or as a group.

Public Transport
There is no direct public transport connection (buses or trains) to Raglan Airport. The Bathurst railway station is located in the city centre, and from there you would need to take a taxi to the airport. Local bus routes do not enter the airfield territory. This option is not recommended due to inconvenience and the need for transfers.

Car Rental
Car rental is the ideal choice for those who want maximum freedom of movement around Bathurst and its picturesque surroundings. You can rent a car at one of the rental points in the city and drive to the airport yourself. The road is well-marked with signs. This method is particularly convenient if you plan to explore the New South Wales region in Australia.

Airport Parking
If you are arriving in a private or rented car, parking is available at Raglan Airport. Typically, small regional airports offer convenient and affordable options for both short-term and long-term parking, often directly opposite the terminal.

Terminals and Map

Raglan Airport (BHS) is a small and convenient regional airport serving domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it ideal for travellers who value speed and a lack of fuss. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which combines all necessary zones and services.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. The departure and arrival zones are in the same building and are clearly separated. After check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to a small waiting lounge, from where boarding takes place. The arrival zone is a separate exit with a baggage claim belt. Thanks to the compact size, moving between zones takes just a few minutes.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at BHS airport usually takes minimal time. Flight check-in and security screening are very quick due to the low passenger flow. Generally, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 45-60 minutes before departure. This time is more than sufficient to drop off luggage, receive a boarding pass, and proceed to the waiting area without rushing.

Navigating the terminal will not cause any difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. All key zones—from check-in counters to the boarding gate—are within sight. There are no complex transfers between terminals, as there is only one. Simply follow the signs, and you will easily find everything necessary for a comfortable start to your journey.

Airport History

The history of Raglan Airport (BHS), also known as Bathurst Airport, is closely linked to the events of World War II. It was founded not as a civilian facility, but as a military base for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Construction began in 1941, and the base, named RAAF Base Bathurst, was officially opened in 1942 to support the country's war efforts.

The main task of the base was pilot training under the Empire Air Training Scheme. It hosted the No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School, where thousands of cadets from across the Commonwealth of Nations took their first steps in aviation. The base was equipped with everything necessary for training, including hangars, barracks, and classrooms, and played an important role in preparing qualified personnel for the front.

After the end of World War II, the need for a large network of training airbases diminished. In 1946, the military facility was transferred to civilian authorities and converted into a public airport to serve the city of Bathurst and the surrounding region. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in its history, transforming it from a military centre into an important transport hub.

Over the years, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet modern aviation requirements. The runway was reconstructed and extended to accommodate larger regional aircraft. In 2013, a new, more modern and spacious passenger terminal was opened, significantly improving the quality of passenger service. These improvements have strengthened its status as the key air gateway to the Central Tablelands.

Interesting fact: the legacy of the military past is still felt at the airport. Some of the original wartime structures remain standing today. Raglan Airport is a vivid example of how a facility created for military needs has successfully adapted to civilian life and continues to serve the community, ensuring vital connections between Bathurst and other Australian cities.

Services and Amenities

Raglan Airport (BHS) is a compact regional airport offering passengers a set of basic services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Although there is not the variety of services found in large international hubs, the terminal provides all conditions for a convenient start or end to a journey.

You can have a snack or drink coffee before departure at a small café or kiosk located in the terminal building. The assortment usually includes light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. A general lounge with sufficient seating is equipped for waiting for flights. There are no full-scale shops, including Duty Free, at the airport.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is generally available in the terminal, and there are several stations for charging mobile devices. It is worth noting that the number of power outlets may be limited. Banking services and currency exchange points are absent at the airport, so it is recommended to handle financial matters in the city beforehand. Occasionally, an ATM may be installed in the terminal.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. However, for assistance with boarding or moving around the terminal, it is strongly recommended to contact your airline in advance. For travellers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. A specialized medical centre is absent, but staff can provide basic first aid.

There are no hotels or conference halls on the airport territory. If you need to stay overnight, many accommodation options—from hotels to guest houses—can be found in the nearby city, which is easily accessible by taxi or rental car. Business centres for holding meetings are also absent.

Where to Eat

It is important to note that the airport with code BHS is the regional Bathurst Airport in Australia, not Raglan. Like most small regional airports, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and designed for passengers who need a quick snack before departure. There is no wide variety of restaurants or dining venues here as seen in major international hubs.

The main and typically the only place for food is a small café located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the public zone (landside), before security control. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as ready-made snacks: sandwiches, pies, pastries, and various light bites. This is an excellent option if you need to quickly drink coffee or satisfy light hunger.

You will not be able to find a full lunch or dinner with a wide selection of dishes at the airport. If you have enough time, the best solution would be to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Bathurst before travelling to the airport. Regarding special dietary requirements, finding vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes on the café menu will be extremely difficult. Passengers with special dietary needs are recommended to bring food with them.

The café's operating hours are usually strictly tied to the flight arrival and departure schedule. This means it may be closed during quiet periods. Prices generally correspond to the average level for airports, being slightly higher than in the city. Overall, Bathurst Airport offers basic amenities for a simple and quick snack.

Tips for Travellers

Travelling through Raglan Airport (BHS), serving the city of Bathurst in Australia, usually proceeds easily and quickly, as it is a small regional air terminal. To avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend arriving at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before your domestic flight departure. This time will be quite sufficient to calmly pass all pre-flight formalities without rushing.

Check-in and security screening procedures at Bathurst Airport generally do not take much time. However, to save time, it is best to complete online check-in for the flight in advance on your airline's website. Security checkpoints here work efficiently, but remember that even in a small airport, safety rules are strictly observed.

When choosing a seat on flights from Bathurst, which are often operated on smaller aircraft, consider a few points. If you want to enjoy picturesque views of the region from above, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and the ability to stand up freely, an aisle seat is suitable. Seats in the front part of the cabin will allow you to disembark faster upon arrival.

Carefully review your airline's hand luggage rules, as regional carriers may have stricter restrictions on weight and size. Standard safety rules prohibit carrying sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage on international flights, and although flights here are domestic, it is better to adhere to general norms. All liquids should be packed in a transparent resealable bag.

It is important to understand that Raglan Airport is a domestic airport, and there are no customs or passport control counters here. If you are flying from Bathurst with a connection to an international flight, for example in Sydney, you will need to collect your luggage, transfer to the international terminal, and undergo all customs and immigration procedures there. Allow sufficient time for this.

To save time and money, book flight tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak season. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will save you from having to wait for luggage upon arrival. Since the choice of cafés in a small airport may be limited, you can bring an empty water bottle to fill after security screening, and some light snacks.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and clarification of your rights. Given that infrastructure in small airports is limited, in case of a long wait, it is useful to have a charged power bank, a book, or downloaded movies with you. This will help pass the waiting time in a more comfortable setting.

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