It is the fifth busiest airport in Australia and principal airport in Adelaide in South Australia. It served 6.9 million passengers in 2008/09. It is located flanking to West Beach and it 6 kilometers away from the city centre. It is under long term lease from Commonwealth Government since 1998. Adelaide Airport was first established in the year 1955 and domestic and international terminals were opened in the year 2005. Adelaide Airport has received many awards and named one of the world’s second best international airports in the year 2006. It serves as a hub for Tiger Airways.
Aerodrome was the first Adelaide Airport which was constructed in 1921 on the area of 24 hectares of land in Hendon. There was a small mail facility between Adelaide and Sydney. To face the challenges of growth in aviation sector, Parafield Airport was developed in the year 1927. Again to meet the demands of aviation in Australia Parafield was outgrown and the site of Adelaide Airport was selected for West Beach and in the year 1954 the flights started landing on this newly made Adelaide Airport. This airport acted as an annexe for Parafield airport and served passenger terminal until the Commonwealth Government provided funds for it construction. From the year 1982 the arrival of international airlines became regular on this airport. The $260 million construction replaced the international and domestic terminals which were made on temporary basis. In the year 2006 the newly made terminal of Adelaide Airport was named the Capital City Airport of the year during the Australian Aviation Industry Awards in Cairns. In 2007 this airport was rated as the world’s second best airport by Airports Council International awards in Dubai. It is the main hub for Tiger Airways Australia and plans of expansion of this airport is announced in the year 2007.
Hasen Yuncken was the builders who redeveloped this airport with more modern facilities and the old airport terminals were having limited capacity and lack of aerobridges. Plans were made to develop the airport with modern facilities and upgraded terminal to meet the demands of the tourists. In the year 1997 final proposal was released when both domestic and international terminals were separated. The conflict of collapse of Ansett Australia then duopoly with the domestic carrier Qantas face many losses of funds and the construction of new terminal was stopped and until the pass of new agreement by the year 2002.
On 7th October 2005 the new terminal was opened by the Prime Minister John Howard and with the hands of Mike Rann who is South Australian Premier. Because of the problems with the fuel and underground pipes Adelaide Airport Limited announced the use of new terminal for the international flights. The problem of re-fueling system was solved by all debris and the new terminal was used for all the flights from 17th February 2006. The new terminal is 850 meters and has the capacity of handling 27 aircraft which includes Airbus A380. It serves 3,000 passengers per hour. It has very high amenities for public and airline lounges. There are around 14 glass sided aerobridges, 42 common user check in desks and around 34 shop fronts. This is the first Australian airport which provides free wireless Internet in the terminal with the help of Internode Systems.
As a part of pilot training and testing program, a historic landing was made by Qantas A380 at the airport on 27th September 2008 it was a 25 minute stop over which attracted many visitors before it flew to Melbourne. Adelaide Metro operates many JetBus busses which help the tourists to reach different locations in Adelaide. There is shuttle bus from the airport to central Adelaide.
Pandas on Prade
When you will arrive at Adelaide Airport the Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Funi will welcome you. They came here form Beijing and these pandas are the world’s most danger species in the world with very less population of 1500 to 3000. Adelaide is the home of 2 pandas from 27 rests is living in zoos of china and these are the only pandas in the southern hemisphere. The welfare program these pandas is started by Adelaide Airport by signing a program of “Pandas on Parade”. There is a fiber glass giant panda which is called as “Xiang” to create more awareness for the pandas. This airport has also taken initiatives for many fuel conservation programs. This airport cares for planet and runs it business in a very clean and good atmosphere suitable to all.
Facilities at Adelaide Airport
Car parking
The services and facilities on Adelaide Airport give you the best comfortable experience after your travel. It has convenient car parks locations for short term and long term stays. Short term parking located at Terminal 1 outside the building, the fees is reasonable the payment is done by ticket which is valid before you take your car. The pay stations are located outside and inside the terminals. Payment can be done with credit card and even through cash. ATM’s are also located on convenient places. Long term car parking capacity at Adelaide Airport consists of 1090 bays with high demand and huge capacity. The demand of long term car parking is high on weekends which lead to full parking this happens in case of major events like Adelaide football terms playing internationally. The rates of long term parking are also flexible and are located nearby the short term parking. The rates of long term parking will be paid on the single terminal at T1.
Shopping & Dining
Terminal T1 is much more than a normal airport terminal when we talk about airport we think of traveling and relaxing. Reach the terminal T1 and have a look at the retail mall and it is the most modern retain mall in Australia. You will explore huge collection of South Australian brands and best stores on terminal T1. Great variety of wines, chocolates, beer, boots and gourmet foods the list of shopping here is never ending. You will see the South Australia at one place. You will enjoy a good quality of shopping in branded stores with amazing dining experience at cafes, bars, and restaurants. There is a world class service and this is the best place to relax after your travel. You will also get an internet access on this place and these shopping outlets are open 365 days a year.
Children’s play room
Keep your little ones busy at children’s play room with lots of entertainment facilities for your smooth journey. It is located in T1 and is a huge playground with many facilities where your children can climb and slide. There is a television where your kid will enjoy watching non stop children videos. There are comfortable chairs for the parents where you can sit and enjoy the coffee from one of the cafes located here. This is the best place if you are traveling with your children.
T1 Ambassadors
Adelaide Airport’s friendly T1 Ambassadors are the best people if you are seeking any help or advice. They are easy to spot and will wait for you if you need any help. They are standing and wearing burgundy jackets and always happy to solve your problems. They will make your travel easy and stress free.
Prayer Room
It is located on level 2 within the T1 and open during the terminal operating hours. Here you can relax your mind and you will find peace in this room with more relaxing environment.
Events
- Adelaide Airport’s cricket memorabilia collection is the support to the Australian cricket team. It organizes the Test match cricket at Adelaide Oval which is called as Christmas Pageant or Balfours Frog Cake. Adelaide Airport support various charities and has secured it own place in the field of cricket which is placed along with the concourse of the main terminal T1.
- Mark Lobert’s love of people and color and the passion for life can be seen in the paintings at Edgewater Gallery. It was opened in the year 2008 and it became an artistic community in South Australia. These artworks are displayed on level 2 opposite Gate 21, near Duty Free and Hudsons.
- Randall Sach was introduced in the year 1993 and it is a working hot glass and hobby interest. It is a creative activity and displayed in the cabinets opposite to Hudons and Merino.
