Roma Airport

Roma Airport (RMA) is not just a runway in the middle of the Australian outback, but a key gateway to the heart of the Maranoa region in Queensland. It is here that one's introduction to a land famous for its gas fields, rich cattle farming history, and unique rural atmosphere begins. For many travellers, whether business people or tourists, this small but modern airport becomes the first point of contact with the real, non-touristy Australia.

Despite its modest size, Roma Airport plays a crucial role in the economic and social life of the region. It ensures stable air connections with Brisbane, which is critically important for gas industry workers and local residents. The terminal has been modernised to offer passengers comfortable waiting conditions, including basic amenities and car rental services. Its main advantage is compactness and efficiency: there are no long queues or the hustle and bustle of large hubs here, allowing you to quickly complete all formalities and start your journey through the picturesque surroundings of Roma.

If you need to contact the administration of Roma Airport (RMA) or obtain additional information, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: Up-to-date information about the airport can be found on the website of the Maranoa Regional Council, which manages the airport: www.maranoa.qld.gov.au.
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions and enquiries, you can call: +61 7 4622 1917 (airport terminal).
• Airport Address: 20 Aerodrome Rd, Roma QLD 4455, Australia.
• Email: The airport does not have a direct email address. For general enquiries, you can contact the Regional Council at: council@maranoa.qld.gov.au.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official social media pages, however, news and updates may be published on the Maranoa Regional Council Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If this is not possible, contact the airport information desk.
• Customer Support Contacts: To receive assistance and consultations, passengers can use the main airport information desk phone number.

Roma Airport (RMA) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making the journey to it quick and convenient. Despite its modest size, the airport offers several transport options for arriving and departing passengers.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most popular and reliable ways to get to or from the airport. The trip from the centre of Roma takes only 5-10 minutes. Local taxi services are well aware of the flight schedule. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival. The cost of the trip is low due to the short distance.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the Queensland region on their own. Offices of several rental companies are represented in the city of Roma. By booking a car in advance, you can pick it up upon arrival and immediately set off on your journey. This option offers maximum freedom of movement.

Public Transport in the form of regular bus routes to Roma Airport is generally unavailable. This is typical for small regional airports in Australia. Therefore, one should not rely on a bus or train as the main way to get to the terminal. It is better to choose a taxi or rent a car.

Airport Parking is available for travellers with personal vehicles. Usually, there is both short-term and long-term parking here. Given the regional status of the airport, parking rates are generally quite moderate, and sometimes it may even be free.

For travellers whose itinerary covers a more extensive part of Queensland, other regional airports may be convenient. For example, you can consider flights via Charleville Airport or the larger Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, from where you can also reach various corners of the state.

Roma Airport (RMA) is a compact regional aviation hub distinguished by a simple and intuitive structure. Thanks to its small size, navigation here causes no difficulties even for those arriving for the first time. The terminal complex is designed to ensure maximum passenger comfort and rapid servicing of flights connecting the region with other Australian cities.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving domestic flights. The terminal building is single-level, which eliminates the need to use lifts or escalators to move between zones, making it convenient for passengers with luggage and people with reduced mobility.

The terminal layout is extremely simple: the check-in area is located in the immediate vicinity of the building entrance. Immediately following it is the security screening point leading to the departure hall (Departure Lounge). The waiting hall is equipped with comfortable seating and information screens. The arrival and baggage claim area is located in the same building but has a separate exit, which allows for the separation of passenger flows.

Features of the terminal include the availability of basic amenities for travellers. Inside, you can find a newsstand, a small cafe offering snacks and drinks, as well as car rental counters located in the public area. Thanks to modern design and recent infrastructure updates, the terminal looks fresh and well-maintained.

Check-in and pre-flight screening procedures at Roma Airport are significantly faster than at major international hubs. Queues here are a rare phenomenon. Nevertheless, airlines recommend arriving at the airport approximately 45–60 minutes before departure to calmly check in luggage and pass through control without rushing.

Complex maps are not required for navigating the territory: it is just a couple of minutes' walk from the parking lot to the check-in counters. If you have flown into Roma, the path from the aircraft to the terminal exit will take very little time, including baggage claim. This makes Roma Airport one of the most convenient for quick business trips and tourism in the region.

The history of Roma Airport (RMA) is closely intertwined with the development of aviation and key events in Australia's history. Although the official opening of the airport in its modern form took place after World War II, aviation activity in the city of Roma began much earlier. As early as the 1920s, the first planes landed here, laying the foundation for the future aviation hub.

A key stage in the airport's history was the period of World War II. Roma Airport was used as an important base for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Its strategic location made it an ideal place for refuelling, maintenance, and crew training. This role significantly contributed to the development of infrastructure and secured the airport's status as an important transport facility.

After the war, the airport was transferred for civil use and began to play a vital role in connecting the region with the rest of the country. One of the most significant aspects of its operation was the support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. For decades, the airport has served as a base for medical flights, providing emergency assistance to residents of remote areas of Queensland.

A new round of development began with the growth of the gas and oil industry in the Surat Basin. This led to a sharp increase in passenger traffic, which required serious modernisation. In the 2010s, the airport underwent a major reconstruction: the runway was strengthened to accommodate larger aircraft, and the terminal was expanded to comfortably serve the increased number of passengers. In the peak years of the mining industry boom, Roma Airport was one of the busiest regional airports in Queensland.

Interesting fact: despite its modest size, the airport has played a disproportionately large role in the economic development of the region. It not only connects the city with major centres such as Brisbane but also serves as a gateway for thousands of specialists working in the energy sector, which directly affects the well-being of the entire community. Today, it is a modern and efficient airport continuing its glorious history of serving the region.

Roma Airport (RMA) is a modern regional airport that offers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for your flight. Despite its small size, the terminal is designed to satisfy the basic needs of every traveller.

For passengers, there is a cafe where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments. Although the choice of shops is limited, you can find souvenirs and essential goods here. Comfortable waiting areas are equipped in the departure lounge. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and has stations for charging electronic devices, allowing you to stay connected.

ATMs are available at the airport for financial transactions. Currency exchange points in small regional airports may be absent or have limited opening hours, so it is recommended to arrange money exchange in advance. In case of necessity, there is a first aid point in the terminal.

The airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance during boarding and disembarking, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs, including ramps and specially equipped toilets. Although there are no hotels or business centres on the airport territory itself, various accommodation options and conference rooms can easily be found in the city of Roma, which is located in the immediate vicinity.

Roma Airport (RMA), being a small regional airport, offers basic but convenient options for a snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants here, as in major international hubs, however, you will not go hungry.

The main dining point at the airport is a small cafe or kiosk, usually located in the main waiting lounge after passing security control (airside). Here, travellers can find everything necessary for a quick and satisfying snack. The opening hours of such establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve passengers of both morning and evening departures.

What can be found on the menu:

• For a quick snack: Freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as classic Australian pastries such as meat pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches, and muffins. This is an ideal option if you have little time before boarding.
• For a more substantial lunch: The assortment usually includes ready-made salads, hot sandwiches, or small portioned dishes. There is no full-service restaurant with an à la carte menu at the airport, but satisfying your hunger before a flight is entirely possible.
• Special dietary requirements: Options for vegetarians may be limited to vegetable sandwiches or salads. Finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes might be difficult due to the compact format of the establishment. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most air terminals. Overall, Roma Airport provides everything necessary to comfortably wait for your flight with a cup of coffee and a light snack.

To ensure your journey through Roma Airport in Australia goes smoothly, follow our tips. Despite the fact that this is a regional airport and there is usually less hustle and bustle here than in major hubs, proper preparation will help avoid stress. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be enough to go through all procedures without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

The screening procedure at Roma Airport is standard, but queues here are usually shorter. Ensure that there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage: sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. All liquids must be packed in one transparent bag. Pay special attention to the strict biosecurity rules of Australia: do not carry fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products if they have not been declared. This applies even to domestic flights.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you have a short layover, choose seats in the front part of the cabin to exit the plane faster. Passengers with transfers should clarify in advance whether their luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination, or if it needs to be collected and checked in again.

If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with meal vouchers. To save money while travelling, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security. Also, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance — this is often more cost-effective than looking for transport on the spot.