โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Collinsville Airport (KCE), also known by its ICAO code YCSV, is a regional aviation facility located in Collinsville, Queensland, Australia. Situated in the northern part of the Bowen Basin coal mining region, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the local mining industry, serving as a primary point for 'Fly-In Fly-Out' (FIFO) operations. The facility is owned and operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council and provides a vital air link for workers, government personnel, and emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
The terminal infrastructure at Collinsville is modest and designed for the specific needs of regional and charter aviation. It consists of a single-story building that serves as a central waiting and check-in area for passengers arriving or departing on private charters. The layout is straightforward and functional, with all passenger processing occurring in a single open-plan space. Because the airport primarily handles small turboprop aircraft and light private jets, the transition from the terminal building across the apron to the aircraft is quick and involves a short walk.
Amenities at the KCE terminal are limited to essential services, and travelers should arrive prepared for a functional rather than a commercial environment. There are no retail shops, Duty-Free outlets, or formal dining services located on-site. Basic indoor seating is provided in the waiting area, and standard public restrooms are available within or adjacent to the terminal building. The airport features a 1,490-meter (4,888 ft) sealed runway (18/36), which is well-maintained to support the daily movements of mining-related charter flights and general aviation aircraft.
Ground transportation between the airport and the Collinsville town center, located approximately 5 kilometers away, is not available through formal public transit systems. There are no standing taxi ranks or dedicated airport shuttle services at the terminal. Most visitors arrive via pre-arranged company transport or coordinate a pick-up through local taxi services or private vehicles. Uncovered, free parking is provided directly in front of the terminal building for those driving. Travelers are advised that the facility is strictly restricted to daylight operations for most non-emergency flights, as the airfield has limited lighting compared to larger international hubs.
๐ Connection Tips
Collinsville Airport (KCE) is a specialized regional aviation facility located in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia, serving the town of Collinsville and the surrounding coal mining and agricultural areas. While the airport primarily handles general aviation, corporate charters for the mining industry, and essential medical evacuations, it has historically hosted regional commercial links. Currently, there are no regular public transport (RPT) or scheduled commercial airline services operating directly into KCE. For travelers seeking commercial connections, the primary gateway is Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), located approximately 90 kilometers (a 1-hour drive) to the east, or Townsville Airport (TSV), about 2.5 hours to the north.
For those arriving at KCE via private or chartered flight, ground transportation should be pre-arranged. The airport is located about 5 kilometers from the Collinsville town center. While taxis are available in town, it is highly recommended to coordinate a pickup through your host or a local mining company, as on-demand options directly at the small terminal can be limited. Collinsville is a major center for the Bowen Basin coal industry; renting a car in Proserpine or Mackay is the most flexible option for exploring the regional interior. The terminal facilities at KCE are minimalist and focused on functional utility, providing basic waiting areas and restrooms for private flyers.
The regional climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and pleasant winters. During the winter months (June to August), localized morning fog can occasionally affect light aircraft operations. When planning a connection back to a major city from Proserpine or Townsville, always allow for a generous buffer time for the road journey along the regional highways. Ensure you carry your own water and essential supplies, as the Collinsville airfield provides minimalist passenger amenities.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
The terminal at Arrabury Airport (AAB) is a misnomer in the traditional sense, as the facility is essentially a private unsealed airstrip serving the Arrabury Station and the remote Tanbar region. There is no formal terminal building, but rather a basic staging area that may include a small shed or shelter primarily used for storing essential supplies or providing temporary respite from the intense Queensland sun. Ground operations are handled on an as-needed basis by station staff, and the apron area is simply a cleared patch of ground adjacent to the runway.
Because the airport serves private and charter aviation almost exclusively, there are no passenger facilities such as check-in desks, security checkpoints, or baggage carousels. Travelers arriving here are typically visitors to the cattle station, government officials, or emergency services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The check-in process usually involves direct communication with the pilot or station management. The environment is one of extreme isolation, with the nearest significant infrastructure being hundreds of kilometers away.
The lack of amenities is total; there is no running water, electricity, or telecommunications infrastructure dedicated to passenger use at the airstrip itself. Any needs must be met at the Arrabury Station homestead or through the supplies brought by the aircraft. The transition from aircraft to ground transport, usually a 4WD vehicle from the station, is immediate and takes place directly on the dirt apron. It is a functional facility designed for utility in one of Australia's most rugged and sparsely populated landscapes.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Arrabury Airport requires exceptional pre-planning as this remote cattle station airstrip in Queensland's Channel Country operates without any scheduled commercial services. All flights must be arranged as private charters or station-coordinated aircraft, typically originating from regional centers like Charleville, Mount Isa, or Longreach. The 7,600 square kilometer Arrabury Station, located approximately 186 kilometers southeast of Birdsville and 106 kilometers north of Innamincka, represents one of Australia's most isolated pastoral properties, making aviation the only practical means of access for much of the year.
Runway conditions at this unsealed airstrip are critically dependent on weather patterns unique to the Channel Country, where rare but intense rainfall events can transform the normally dry landscape into impassable flood plains. Pilots must obtain current runway condition reports directly from station management before attempting any landing or departure, as the dirt surface becomes completely unusable when wet, potentially stranding aircraft and passengers for days or even weeks. During the wet season, which typically occurs between December and March, the Cooper Creek system can flood extensively, cutting all ground access routes and making the airstrip the sole lifeline for emergency evacuations.
Coordination between arriving and departing aircraft requires direct communication with Arrabury Station management, as there are no air traffic control services, ground handling equipment, or refueling facilities available at the airstrip. Charter operators familiar with Channel Country operations typically carry sufficient fuel for return journeys and advise passengers to bring all necessary supplies, including water, food, and emergency equipment. The Royal Flying Doctor Service maintains this location as a potential emergency landing site, and travelers should be aware that medical evacuations take priority over all other aircraft movements, potentially affecting connection schedules without notice.
โ Back to Collinsville Airport