Mildura Airport

Welcome to the aerial gateway of the sunny Sunraysia region! Mildura Airport is not just a transit point, but a cosy and welcoming starting point for unforgettable journeys along the picturesque banks of the Murray River and the mysterious Australian Outback. Combining a relaxed provincial atmosphere with modern infrastructure, this airport allows you to begin your acquaintance with the unique nature of Victoria in maximum comfort and without unnecessary bustle.

Mildura Airport is deservedly considered one of the most important regional aviation hubs in south-eastern Australia. Its main feature and advantage is its strategic location. Situated at the junction of three states (Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia), it serves as an ideal base for tourists wishing to explore vast territories without long car journeys.

Travellers particularly appreciate this airport for its high efficiency and lack of queues. Thanks to a compact terminal that has undergone extensive renovation, the journey from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes mere minutes. There are no confusing corridors or long waits for luggage here, allowing you to save precious holiday time. Furthermore, the airport is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, which sets a positive tone for the entire trip.

• Official website: milduraairport.com.au
• Help desk phone: +61 3 5022 2344 (Airport Administration)
• Address: Alan Mathews Dr, Mildura, Victoria 3500, Australia
• Email: admin@milduraairport.com.au
• Social media: The airport is represented on Facebook, where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost luggage information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline you flew with directly. Contact details for carriers (QantasLink, Rex, Bonza) can be found on their official websites.
• Passenger support service: For general enquiries not related to booking or luggage, you may contact the airport administration via the phone number or email address listed above.

Mildura Airport (MQL) is located just 11 kilometres from the city centre of Mildura, making the journey there quick and convenient. On average, a trip by car takes about 10-15 minutes, although this time may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and transfers. The most popular and convenient way to get to the airport is to use a taxi or one of the ride-sharing services. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 25-35 Australian Dollars (AUD) and takes minimal time. This is a quick option that saves you from worrying about parking. Additionally, many hotels and private carriers offer shuttle bus services, which should be booked in advance, especially if you are travelling as a group.

Public transport. It is worth noting that direct public transport routes from the city centre to Mildura Airport are absent. City buses operate within Mildura, but you will need to take a taxi from the nearest stop to the terminal. There is no rail service provided for trips to the airport in this region of Australia.

Car rental and parking. For those planning to actively explore the picturesque surroundings, car rental will be the best solution. You can either arrive at the airport in a rented car and return it before departure, or rent a car upon arrival. Offices of several major rental companies are located at the airport. For travellers with their own transport, convenient parking is provided with zones for short-term and long-term stays. The cost of long-term parking starts from approximately 15 AUD per day, making it a cost-effective option for extended trips.

Mildura Airport (MQL) is a modern and compact regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Travellers need not worry about complex navigation: all passenger traffic is handled in one terminal, making it extremely convenient for passengers.

The terminal was upgraded in 2012 and designed with a focus on comfort and efficiency. Thanks to its small size and logical layout, orienting yourself here is very easy. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, a short distance from each other. Clear signs will help you easily find check-in counters, the boarding gate, or the baggage claim area. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings — all services are located under one roof.

One of the main advantages of Mildura Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take minimal time, especially compared to large international airports. As a rule, arriving at the airport an hour to an hour and a half before a domestic flight is more than sufficient, but always check your airline's recommendations.

Inside the terminal, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: a cosy café where you can have a snack, car rental counters, restrooms, and a spacious waiting lounge. To navigate, simply follow the signs, and if questions arise, the friendly airport staff are always ready to help. Essentially, getting lost at Mildura Airport is practically impossible.

Mildura Airport (MQL) has a rich and long history, being one of the oldest regional airports in Australia. Its story began in 1921 with a simple grass runway. An important step in its development was the inauguration of the first scheduled air service in 1934, which connected Mildura with major cities and marked the beginning of its journey as a key transport hub for the region.

The most significant stage in the airport's history occurred during the years of the Second World War. In 1940, it was transformed into a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Mildura base and became one of the largest training centres in the country. The No. 2 Operational Training Unit (No. 2 OTU) was located here, where thousands of pilots underwent training on P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft. It was during this period that the first paved runways and main infrastructure were built, laying the foundation for future development.

After the war, the airport returned to civil use and continued its development. It played a vital role in connecting the Sunraysia region with the rest of the country, serving flights for airlines such as Australian National Airways and Trans Australia Airlines. In 1977, a passenger terminal was opened, which served travellers for decades.

The recent history of the airport has been marked by large-scale modernisation. In 2012, a multi-million dollar reconstruction of the terminal was completed. As a result, the building was significantly expanded, featuring modern check-in and screening areas, an improved baggage handling system, and comfortable departure lounges. These updates allowed the airport to meet modern standards and cope with increasing passenger traffic, reinforcing its status as one of Victoria's busiest and most important regional air gateways.

Interesting fact: the choice of location for the airfield in the 1920s was partly due to the large number of clear and sunny days in the region, creating ideal conditions for flying. Today, Mildura Airport is not only an important transport infrastructure facility but also a kind of historical monument, the legacy of which, especially from the RAAF times, is carefully preserved by the local community.

Mildura Airport (MQL), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure. The terminal features a café where you can order coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks. There is also a small kiosk offering fresh newspapers, magazines, and travel essentials. The main waiting areas are equipped with comfortable seating for all passengers.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. For those who need to recharge electronic devices, special charging stations for gadgets are provided in the departure lounge. This makes staying at the airport more convenient and productive.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed in the terminal building. Please note that currency exchange points are absent at the airport. Families with small children can use the parents' room. The airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is available upon prior request through the airline.

For business travellers, the airport has a conference room that can be rented for meetings and negotiations. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options are located in the city of Mildura, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Medical services are limited to first aid; in emergencies, please contact airport staff.

Mildura Airport (MQL) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The main food outlet is located in the main terminal building, in the public area (landside), before security control. This makes it convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

There is a café operating at the airport, offering a standard range of dishes and beverages. Here you can order freshly brewed coffee, tea, juices, as well as have a snack with sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and light bites. It is an ideal place for a quick breakfast or lunch before departure. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport, so if you are counting on a substantial lunch, it is better to have it in the city.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be quite limited. Typically, basic vegetarian options can be found on the menu, such as cheese and vegetable sandwiches. However, finding certified Halal, gluten-free, or vegan dishes may be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them.

Prices in the café are consistent with the average level for Australian airports — slightly higher than in city establishments. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the café opens shortly before the first morning departure and closes after the last evening flight departs, ensuring service for all passengers.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Mildura goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips. Mildura Airport (MQL) is a regional hub, so it is usually quieter here than in large international hubs. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all procedures without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter (if you have luggage) or to security screening. The security check procedure here is standard but generally proceeds faster than in large airports due to the smaller flow of passengers.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer you picturesque views of the Murray River region during take-off and landing, whilst an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival. Regarding hand luggage, remember the general rules: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Always check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website.

An important point for international travellers: Mildura Airport serves mainly domestic flights. You will pass customs and border control at your first airport of arrival in Australia (for example, in Melbourne or Sydney). Remember that the country has very strict biosecurity laws. It is strictly forbidden to bring in fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, seeds, and other plant and animal materials without a special permit. Be sure to declare all such items.

If you have a connecting flight, it will likely be in one of the major cities. Study the map of the transfer airport in advance and allow sufficient time between flights — at least 2-3 hours to avoid stress in case of minor delays.

To save money, book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Small life hacks: bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after security screening, and pack permitted snacks, as the selection in a small airport may be limited and prices higher.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Keep an eye on updates on the online departure board on the airport's website. In a small regional airport, options for a long wait may be limited, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or other entertainment with you.