Connellan Airport

Connellan Airport (Ayers Rock Airport), located in the very heart of the Australian desert, is not merely a transport hub but a true aerial gateway to one of the world's most iconic wonders. It is here that travellers from across the globe arrive to witness with their own eyes the majestic monolith of Uluru and the mystical rock formations of Kata Tjuta. The airport was opened in 1984 to ensure convenient access to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the resort of Yulara, whilst preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region.

Despite its remoteness, Connellan Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your journey. Its main advantage is its exceptional proximity to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which can be reached in just 20 minutes. Thanks to regular flights from major cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Cairns, the airport makes the Red Centre accessible to tourists from all over the world.

The airport features a small but modern terminal, which is an advantage in itself—there are virtually no long queues or hustle here. For the convenience of passengers, free bus transfers are organised to the hotels of Ayers Rock Resort, meeting every arriving flight. Furthermore, directly from the airport, one can embark on a breathtaking scenic flight by helicopter or small plane to admire Uluru from a bird's-eye view.

Below you will find contact information for Connellan Airport (AYQ), serving Yulara and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

• Official Website: Current information about the airport is available on the Ayers Rock Resort website: ayersrockresort.com.au.
• Help Desk Phone: +61 8 8956 2020
• Address: 1 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872, Australia
• Email: For communication, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the official Ayers Rock Resort website, as a separate email for general airport enquiries is not published.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain separate social media pages. News and updates can be tracked on the Ayers Rock Resort pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline directly. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracking.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance on-site, please approach the information desk in the airport terminal or representatives of the airline you are flying with.

Getting to Connellan Airport (AYQ) from the Yulara resort area is very simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. The main modes of transport are oriented towards tourists arriving to visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The journey from any hotel in the resort to the terminal usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

The most popular and convenient option is the free shuttle bus. Ayers Rock Resort organises transfers for its guests, meeting and seeing off all scheduled flights. These buses circulate between the airport and all hotels within the resort complex. Typically, this service is included in the accommodation cost, but it is always useful to verify this when booking. This is the most economical and hassle-free way to get to your flight.

For those who prefer independence in movement, car rental is an excellent choice. There are representatives of several major rental companies at Connellan Airport. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the unique landscapes of central Australia at your own pace. It is strongly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, as the number of cars is limited. Short-term and long-term parking for private vehicles is available at the airport.

Taxis in the traditional sense are practically non-existent in Yulara. However, you can book a private transfer. This option will be significantly more expensive than the shuttle but ensures maximum comfort and personal service. This service must be booked well in advance through travel companies or directly with transport providers. It can be a good solution for small groups or travellers with a large amount of luggage.

Connellan Airport (AYQ), serving the famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is distinguished by its simplicity and compactness. This is a key feature that makes navigation through it intuitively clear even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights—both arrivals and departures. You will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or taking shuttles. All infrastructure is located under one roof, which significantly simplifies the journey.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The building constitutes a single space, logically divided into several zones. Immediately upon entry, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight screening. The departure zone with several boarding gates is located immediately after the security checkpoint. The arrival zone is in another part of the same building and includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city, where tourists are met by shuttle buses to the hotels.

Due to the small size of the airport, all procedures typically proceed very quickly. Check-in and security screening rarely take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure. Sometimes several flights depart within a short interval, which can create minor queues.

The main advice for navigating Connellan Airport is not to worry. Its structure is so simple and clear that getting lost here is practically impossible. Signs are distinct and few in number, and the entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate will take you just a few minutes on foot.

The history of Connellan Airport is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in the heart of Australia and the desire to preserve the unique nature of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The airport was specially built to serve the new tourist resort of Yulara and opened in 1982. Its creation was a key stage in moving all tourist infrastructure to a safe distance from the base of the sacred rock of Uluru, which allowed for minimising the impact on the fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region.

The airport received its name in honour of Edward Connellan, a pioneer of aviation in the Northern Territory and founder of Connellan Airways, which for decades connected remote settlements and farms with the rest of the world. This choice was a tribute to a man who made a huge contribution to the development of the Australian Outback.

Since its opening, Connellan Airport has become the main aerial gateway for millions of tourists wishing to see the famous Uluru monolith and the Kata Tjuta rock formations. Initially designed to handle a large flow of passengers, it has been modernised repeatedly to meet contemporary standards of safety and comfort. Its runway is capable of receiving sufficiently large aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which is a real achievement for an airport located in such a remote and desert area.

Today, Connellan Airport is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the tourist experience. It serves as the starting point for an unforgettable journey to one of the most iconic and spiritually significant corners of the planet, continuing to play a key role in ensuring accessibility and preserving this unique heritage.

Connellan Airport (AYQ), serving the famous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, presents a small but functional terminal equipped with everything necessary for comfortable arrival and departure. Despite its compact size, the airport offers passengers a basic set of services.

Dining and Shopping: The terminal features a café where one can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase refreshments before the flight. There is also a souvenir shop offering mementos of Australia, local Aboriginal crafts, and essential items.

Lounges and Amenities: Passengers can use the general departure hall. There are no VIP lounges at the airport. For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices are available. There is an ATM in the airport building; however, currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in major cities beforehand.

Special Services: The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are provided. Basic first aid can be rendered by airport staff, however, for full medical attention, one should contact the clinic at the Yulara resort.

Accommodation and Business: There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. All accommodation options, from budget to luxury, are located in the Ayers Rock Resort tourist complex in Yulara, to where free shuttles regularly run from the airport. There, within the resort hotels, one can find conference rooms and business services. Specialised business centres are not provided within the airport terminal building.

Connellan Airport (AYQ) is a small regional airport serving the famous Uluru area, so dining options here are compact but functional. All establishments are located in the single terminal, making them easily accessible for all passengers.

The main place for a snack and rest is Kulala's Cafe & Bar. This versatile establishment, located in the main departure area, combines the functions of a café, eatery, and bar. Here you can quickly drink a coffee before boarding or have a leisurely lunch while waiting for your flight. The café's operating hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so it is open for passengers of all flights.

The menu at Kulala's Cafe offers a standard set of Australian-style dishes. Passengers can choose from an assortment of sandwiches, rolls, fresh salads, and classic Australian meat pies. For those with a sweet tooth, there are pastries, muffins, and desserts. The beverage section offers a selection of local drinks, including various alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The price range is average, similar to most airports in Australia.

For travellers with specific dietary requirements, the choice may be limited. Typically, vegetarian options are available, for example, cheese and salad sandwiches. However, passengers adhering to a vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diet are recommended to check for suitable options in advance or carry their own snacks just in case.

If you are in a hurry, the best choice is coffee and pastries or a ready-made sandwich. For a more substantial lunch, a hot pie with salad is suitable. Besides the café, packaged snacks, chocolate, and drinks can be found in the souvenir shop, which is also a convenient option for a quick bite.

Travelling through Connellan Airport, the gateway to the heart of the Australian desert, will be easier with our tips. Although it is a small regional airport, proper preparation will help make your arrival or departure as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in: The airport mainly serves domestic flights. We recommend arriving 1.5-2 hours before departure. Although queues here are usually shorter than in major airports, delays can occur during the peak tourist season. To save time, complete your flight check-in online and print or save your boarding pass to your phone in advance.

Security Screening: Screening procedures in Yulara are standard, but Australia has strict security regulations. Have your boarding pass and identification ready. In carry-on luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. It is strictly forbidden to transport undeclared food products, plants, and materials of animal origin due to strict bio-security rules—be prepared for potential checks even on domestic flights.

Seat Selection: If you are flying into or out of Yulara, try to secure a window seat. In clear weather during take-off or landing, breathtaking views of the desert open up, and if you are lucky with the flight path, you may see the legendary rocks of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. This is an unforgettable sight that will be an excellent start or finish to your journey.

For Passengers with Connections: Connellan Airport is a final destination, not a transit hub. Most "connections" here are transfers to the Ayers Rock Resort hotels. Typically, free shuttles await the arrival of every flight. Simply find the bus with the name of your hotel after collecting your luggage.

Economy and Useful Hacks: Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security control, and take some light snacks with you. Most tours and activities are best booked online in advance—this is often cheaper than purchasing them on the spot.

In Case of Flight Delay: The airport infrastructure is quite limited. There is a small café and a waiting area. In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for current information. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded films to pass the waiting time.