Ayers Rock Airport, Gateway to Uluru

Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), also called Connellan Airport, is the air gateway to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. It sits on the northern edge of Yulara, the resort town built to house visitors to the red centre. For most people, flying in is far quicker than the long drive across the outback.

The airport takes its alternative name from Edward Connellan, an aviation pioneer who built an airstrip near Uluru in the 1940s. When tourism facilities were moved outside the national park, a new airport was built beside Yulara.

Distance from the Airport to Yulara and Uluru

Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara is around 10 minutes away by road. Uluru itself is roughly a 20-minute drive. Alice Springs, the nearest large town, is about 465 km away by road, which takes around five and a half hours.

The Terminal at Ayers Rock Airport

Scheduled flights use one main terminal. It is compact and easy to navigate, with a café, a gift shop, restrooms and car hire desks. Opening hours are tied to the flight schedule, so the building is quiet outside departure and arrival times.

Airlines Flying to Ayers Rock

Direct flights link Ayers Rock with major Australian cities. Carriers include Qantas, its regional arm QantasLink, and Jetstar, with services from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns. The flight from Sydney takes about three hours. Schedules vary through the year, so check which routes are running when you plan to travel.

Getting from Ayers Rock Airport to Your Hotel

• Resort coach: guests staying at Ayers Rock Resort get a free AAT Kings coach transfer that meets scheduled flights. Follow the hotel transfer signs after collecting your bags.
• Car hire: Avis and Hertz offer pick-up and drop-off at the airport, handy if you want to drive to Kata Tjuta or further afield.
• Coach links: tour coaches run between the resort, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs.

What to See Around Uluru

Uluru is the obvious draw, at its most striking at sunrise or sunset when the rock changes colour. The domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta lie within the same national park. Both are sacred to the Aṉangu, the traditional owners of the land, so follow the park's guidance on where you can walk and take photos.

Tips for Travelling via Ayers Rock Airport

• Book accommodation in Yulara before you fly, as the resort is the main place to stay.
• Pack a hat, sunscreen and water. The desert sun is strong in every season.
• For your return trip, resort transfers leave about two hours before departure.

Ready for the red centre? Book your flight to Ayers Rock on Traveloka.