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Shellharbour Airport
Shellharbour Airport
Shellharbour Airport
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Shellharbour Airport, formerly Illawarra Regional Airport, also referred as Albion Park Aerodrome[2] or Wollongong Airport,[3] (IATA: WOL, ICAO: YSHL) is an airport located in Albion Park Rail, New South Wales, Australia.

Key Information

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society is located at the airport.[4] Link Airways operates daily services from the airport to Melbourne and Brisbane.[5] Various businesses operate out of Shellharbour Airport including Touchdown Helicopters and BIGWAVE Skydive.

Overview

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The airport is owned and operated by Shellharbour City Council. It is located at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Illawarra Highway at Albion Park Rail. The airport is an 80-minute drive from Sydney Airport and 60 minutes from Sydney's southern suburbs.

The airport is home to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) and a range of tourism-related operations. Toll Group Ambulance Services have based one AW139 helicopter at the airport since 2017.[6]

History

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World War II

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As early as the 1920s, aviators had used fields in the Albion Park area for pleasure flights and demonstrations. RAAF Albion Park was built in 1942 as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Operational Base during World War II on land compulsorily acquired by the Australian Government. The base was used to conduct pilot training and was considered an important strategic asset in the defence of the Illawarra, particularly the steelworks at Port Kembla. Decorated fighter ace Clive Caldwell, a local resident, received RAAF training at the airfield. A satellite airfield was constructed north of Cordeaux Dam to support operations at Albion Park.[7]

Post War

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Following the war, Trans Australia Airlines and Australian National Airways linked the airport with Canberra and Melbourne until 1950. From 1952, South Coast Airways operated a milk run between Sydney and Melbourne with intermediate stops in Wollongong (Albion Park), Bairnsdale and Sale.[8] Ownership of the airfield was transferred to the Shellharbour Municipal Council in 1962.[9] Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited the airport during a 1970 tour of Australia. Also during the 1970s, Southbank Aviation introduced commuter services from Albion Park to Newcastle and Canberra. The company would later relocate operations to Sydney, but Shellharbour Airport remained an important facility for pilot training and aircraft maintenance into the 1980s.[citation needed]

In 1990, the first master plan was prepared for the Shellharbour Airport (then named Illawarra Regional Airport), providing a framework for future management and developments when Shellharbour City Council assumed full responsibility for the operation of the airport.[9] Throughout the 1990s, development of facilities continued, including the construction of a new passenger terminal and upgrades to roads and navigation aids at the airport. Impulse Airlines operated to the airport from Melbourne and Newcastle until August 2000. In 2002, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society began relocating their collection of aircraft to Shellharbour Airport from Bankstown Airport in Sydney.[7] Their hangar was completed in 2005, along with several other major upgrades, including the strengthening and reconstruction of runway 16/34 with better lighting, enhanced security, and the opening of Shellharbour City's Light Aeronautics Industry Cluster. Coinciding with this upgrade was the commencement of QantasLink services to Melbourne, although these were discontinued in 2008.[9] In 2019, it was renamed from Illawarra Regional Airport to its present name.[10]

Airport facilities

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The primary runway is 16/34, with a paved surface measuring 1,819 m × 30 m (5,968 ft × 98 ft). A displaced threshold reduces the available landing distance on runway 34 by 176 m (577 ft) to allow aircraft to clear high terrain along the approach path. 16/34 is equipped with pilot activated low intensity runway lighting, as well as precision approach path indicator systems to assist with landings under varying conditions. The secondary runway 08/26 is suitable for day operations only as it is not equipped with runway lighting and is restricted to aircraft with Maximum Takeoff Weights less than 7,500 kg (16,535 lb).[1]

There is no control tower located at the airport and pilots must co-ordinate arrivals and departures using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, aided by an Aerodrome Frequency Response Unit (AFRU), which notifies pilots that their transmissions have been received on the frequency and activates lighting systems as appropriate. The nearest radio navigation aid for pilots is the Wollongong Non-Directional Beacon installation on 239 kHz, located within the airport boundary. Fuel is available for piston, turbine and jet powered aircraft and an automated weather service also operates at the airport.[1]

Despite the length of the runway being sufficient for operating large passenger jets such as the Boeing 737, the pavements are currently only suitable for aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight not exceeding 25,000 kg (55,116 lb).[11] This, as well as environmental and noise issues, limits the potential of Shellharbour Airport as a major gateway for commercial airline operations despite its proximity to Sydney.[12] Despite this, Qantas donated City of Canberra, a Boeing 747-400 on 8 March 2015, where it made its final landing safely on the runway. Pilots trained on simulations for the landing and reduced the aircraft's weight including reducing the tyre pressure to 120 pounds per square inch from the typical 208, and carrying 25,400 litres of fuel, versus the maximum of 217,000 litres.[13]

Airlines and destinations

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Passenger

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The airline Link Airways offers daily services from the airport to Melbourne (9 weekly returns) and Brisbane (4 weekly returns).[5] Link Airways service these routes using 34 seat Saab 340B+ turboprop aircraft.

AirlinesDestinations
Link Airways Brisbane, Melbourne[14]

Previously, commencing on 30 October 2017, JetGo became the first airline to operate regular passenger services from Wollongong airport since the termination of QantasLink flights in 2008.[15][16] This was also the first time that jet aircraft have been operated for scheduled passenger services. Jetgo provided daily flights to Melbourne and Brisbane using Embraer ERJ regional jets of 36 to 50 seats capacity, until the airline went out of business on 1 June 2018.[17]

Historical Aircraft Restoration Society

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Boeing 747-438, City of Canberra, landing at the airport
Lockheed Super Constellation nicknamed Connie
Main article: Historical Aircraft Restoration Society

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) is based at Wollongong Airport.[18] HARS was formed in 1979 by a group of aviation enthusiasts interested in the preservation of Australian Aviation History. Its mission is "To recover and where possible restore to flying condition, aircraft or types of aircraft that have played a significant part in Australian Aviation History both in the Civil and Military arenas".[18] Actor John Travolta donated his ex-Qantas Boeing 707 to the group in 2017.[19] Originally planned to be flown to Australia, the plane will be dismantled in the United States, shipped to Australia, and reassembled at Shellharbour Airport by HARS.[20] HARS has restored, or acquired:

Ground transport

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The airport is serviced by the 37, 57 and 77 bus routes operated by Premier Illawarra, which stop close to the passenger terminal and connect to various locations including Wollongong City Centre, Shellharbour City Centre, Dapto and Warrawong. A regular rail service is available at Albion Park railway station, 900 metres from the passenger terminal, on the South Coast Line.[22] A bus route stopping directly at the passenger terminal was trialled and discontinued in 2018.[23]

Accidents and incidents

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  • On 18 December 1961, a Bristol 170 registration VH-AAH operated by Pacific Aviation crashed into trees near the airport during a training flight at Albion Park. The crew were unable to recover after power was lost during a simulated engine failure. All four on board survived the accident.[24]
  • On 2 April 1989, a Piper PA-60 Sequoia aircraft, registration VH-NOE crashed into the sea off Bass Point, to the east of Illawarra Regional Airport. The charter flight from Sydney was intended to pick up passengers at Wollongong and continue onwards to Nowra and Canberra. By the time of the accident, the passengers had already contacted the Sydney-based operator to cancel the charter, but the aircraft had departed before this could be communicated to the pilot. It is believed the aircraft struck the ocean in poor weather while attempting an instrument approach to the airport. Some debris was later located, but the main wreckage and the remains of the pilot, the only person on board, were never recovered.[25]
  • On 11 October 2025, a Piper PA-32R, registration VH-JVA, was engaged in a private flight from Shellharbour Airport to Bathurst Airport when the aircraft stalled and crashed during takeoff. All three of the aircraft's occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.[26]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shellharbour Airport

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Shellharbour Airport, also known as Illawarra Regional Airport, is a regional public airport located in Albion Park Rail, approximately 18 kilometres south of in the region of , . It primarily serves a of around 483,000 , facilitating domestic flights, , emergency services, and community events such as air shows. The airport features a main runway measuring 1,819 metres by 30 metres, supporting operations for , and includes a modern terminal redeveloped in 2021 with capacity for up to 150 seated s. Owned and operated by Shellharbour City Council since the full transfer of responsibility in 1990 under the Commonwealth Aerodrome Local Ownership Plan, the airport originated as a (RAAF) training facility during . Post-war, it transitioned to civilian use for , pilot training, and intermittent regular public transport (RPT) services, including notable visits such as by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970. Key developments include the construction of the current terminal in 1998, the establishment of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) museum and hangar in 2000, and a major runway upgrade in 2005 to accommodate larger aircraft alongside enhanced security measures. Currently, Shellharbour Airport supports 28 weekly RPT flights operated by using Saab 340B aircraft to destinations including (Tullamarine) and , contributing to regional connectivity and economic growth through tourism and employment. In the 2022–2023 financial year, it recorded approximately 36,500 aircraft movements, encompassing passenger services, skydiving, and hosting the NSW Rural Fire Service Control Centre since 2009. The airport has received recognition, including being named Australia's best Small Regional RPT Airport in 2021 by the Australian Airports Association, and benefits from ongoing investments such as $15.97 million in NSW Government funding in 2019 for terminal, , and upgrades. Future plans outlined in the 2023 Master Plan emphasize sustainable expansion, including potential runway extensions and an to support up to 1.5 million annual passengers in high-growth scenarios.

General Information

Location and Ownership

Shellharbour Airport is situated at geographic coordinates 34°33′40″S 150°47′19″E, within the suburb of Albion Park Rail in , . This positioning places it approximately 18 km south of city centre, serving as a key transport node in the local area. The airport's location enhances accessibility for the surrounding communities, with proximity to major highways facilitating ground connections. As a public-use facility, Shellharbour Airport has been owned by the Shellharbour City Council since its acquisition in 1962 under the Commonwealth Aerodrome Local Ownership Plan, with full responsibility transferred to the Council in 1990 upon the Commonwealth's withdrawal. This structure enables the council to fully oversee operations and development in alignment with regional needs. Prior to 1962, the site was under federal control. In June 2025, the Council purchased an additional 839 square metre parcel of land adjacent to the airport from for $110,000 to secure permanent emergency access, resolving a 30-year loan arrangement. The airport holds significant regional importance as the primary aviation hub for the region, including , supporting commercial flights, , and activities. It functions as a practical alternative to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, located about 100 km north and reachable by car in roughly 80 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Historically, the land originated as part of the 1817 'Waterloo' estate grant to Andrew Allen, comprising open dairy plains that later transitioned to aeronautical use during the .

Physical Characteristics

Shellharbour Airport sits at an elevation of 31 feet (9 meters) above , providing a low-lying profile conducive to operations in the region. The facility spans approximately 180 hectares of land, encompassing runways, taxiways, and support areas designed to handle a range of . It holds certification under (CASA) Part 139 for Code 2 operations, allowing for jet up to certain sizes, although its primary focus remains on activities such as training, charters, and recreational flying. The airport occupies flat terrain that was historically used as dairy paddocks, reflecting its origins in a semi-rural now transitioning with nearby urban development. Positioned about 5 kilometers west of Lake and in proximity to the Pacific coastline, the site experiences environmental influences including sea breezes, occasional , and variable wind patterns typical of the region's coastal setting. Environmentally, the airport's semi-rural location minimizes major noise restrictions, enabling flexible operations without stringent urban curfews, though voluntary noise abatement procedures guide pilot conduct to reduce impacts on nearby communities. is a key consideration, with the facility subject to bird strike risks due to adjacent coastal wetlands and the broader Lake Illawarra ecosystem, necessitating ongoing habitat monitoring and mitigation measures as per national aviation guidelines.

History

Early Development and Pre-War Era

The land comprising the site of Shellharbour Airport was originally part of the Waterloo estate, a 700-acre grant awarded to Andrew Allen in 1817 by Governor as part of early colonial land allocations in the region. This expansive property, along with adjacent grants such as Samuel Terry's 2,000-acre Terry's Meadows established in 1821, was predominantly utilized for agricultural purposes, including cattle grazing, sheep farming, and later dairy production, through the 19th and into the early . By the , portions of the land had been subdivided and leased for specialized dairy operations, such as the breeding of Australian Illawarra Shorthorn cattle by families like the Johnstons, reflecting the area's transition to intensive pastoral activities amid regional settlement growth. Aviation interest in the Albion Park Rail area began modestly in the 1920s, with early pilots utilizing open paddocks for landings due to the flat terrain's suitability for rudimentary flight operations. One notable site was Stapleton’s paddock along Tongarra Road in nearby Shellharbour, where aircraft made occasional stops, marking the region's initial foray into aerial activities amid the national surge in post-World War I flying enthusiasm. This informal use highlighted the potential of the local landscape for , though no formal infrastructure existed at the time. In the 1930s, recreational aviation gained traction through local flying clubs in the Illawarra district, which experimented with undeveloped fields as temporary airstrips for training and leisure flights with light aircraft. These efforts were fueled by broader regional economic expansion, particularly the establishment of heavy industries in Wollongong, including the Australian Iron and Steel Works in 1928, which increased demand for efficient transport options beyond rail and road networks. These pre-war enhancements positioned the area as a key asset for the growing aviation community in southern New South Wales.

World War II Operations

During , Shellharbour Airport, then known as RAAF Station Albion Park, was constructed in 1942 when the Australian Government compulsorily acquired land in the area and commissioned the facility as a (RAAF) operational base. The airfield served primarily as a training site for pilots under the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS), a multinational program established in 1939 to address the urgent need for amid the global conflict, with Australia committing to train thousands of personnel annually. Strategically, the base played a defensive role in safeguarding the vital Port Kembla steelworks and harbor, key industrial assets vulnerable to potential Japanese incursions along 's eastern seaboard. The station hosted RAAF squadrons focused on advanced flying instruction, utilizing multi-engine such as the for operational conversion and navigation exercises. To support these activities, infrastructure was rapidly expanded, including temporary hangars and to accommodate personnel. Runways were lengthened to approximately 1,372 meters (4,500 feet) and 1,829 meters (6,000 feet) to handle the demands of heavier training aircraft and emergency operations. By 1945, following Japan's surrender and the conclusion of hostilities in the Pacific, RAAF Station Albion Park was decommissioned as military needs diminished, marking the end of its wartime role.

Post-War Commercial Use

Following the conclusion of , Shellharbour Airport was transferred from military control to the Department of , marking its transition to civilian operations. The aerodrome, previously known as Albion Park Aerodrome, began supporting activities, including regular services and civilian pilot training. In the immediate post-war period, (TAA) initiated scheduled commercial passenger services from the airport, followed by Australian National Airlines, connecting the region to key destinations such as and . These routes provided essential air links for regional travel during the , facilitating economic and social connectivity amid Australia's post-war recovery. Operations during this era relied on the airport's existing infrastructure, which supported propeller-driven aircraft typical of the time. Notable events included a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and , on 2 March 1970. Administrative changes further solidified the airport's civilian role, with the Shellharbour Municipal Council granted permissive occupancy in 1960 and ownership transferred in 1962, with full operational responsibility assumed in 1990 under the Commonwealth Aerodrome Local Ownership Plan. This shift empowered local management to oversee development, though commercial viability faced growing pressures. By the late , scheduled passenger services had significantly declined and ultimately ceased, primarily due to intensifying competition from the larger and concurrent improvements in road transportation networks that offered more accessible alternatives. The airport then pivoted toward and non-scheduled uses, reflecting broader trends in regional aviation during the period.

Recent Developments and Renaming

In 2019, Illawarra Regional Airport was officially renamed Shellharbour Airport to better align with the branding of its owner, Shellharbour City Council, and to emphasize its location within the Shellharbour local government area. During the late 2010s, the airport underwent significant infrastructure upgrades as part of a broader $20 million development program, including the resurfacing of its main runway with approximately 6,500 tonnes of asphalt in 2020 to enhance safety and operational capacity. These works, planned as early as 2019, involved sealing the primary runway and improvements to the cross-strip using 8,000 tonnes of asphalt overall. To support larger aircraft operations, jet fuel (Jet A1) facilities were expanded, with a new bulk storage and refueling system—including 110 kL of Jet A1 capacity—becoming operational in November 2024, ensuring 24/7 availability and compliance with safety standards. The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), based at the airport, has seen notable growth in its collection during this period. In March 2015, Qantas delivered its first Boeing 747-400 (VH-OJA, named City of Canberra) to HARS after a short 15-minute flight from Sydney, marking a major addition as a static display and tourist attraction. In June 2025, significant progress occurred on another key acquisition when the first major components of a donated Boeing 707-138B—originally from Qantas and owned by actor John Travolta—arrived at the site following its dismantling in the United States, with full reassembly planned for static exhibition. This aircraft, donated in 2017, represents an ongoing restoration project to preserve aviation heritage. Shellharbour Airport has continued to host the biennial Wings Over airshow since the , establishing it as the region's premier event and drawing over 40,000 visitors in peak years such as 2018. In 2023, the event was rebranded as Airshows Downunder Shellharbour under new operator AMDA Foundation Limited, maintaining its focus on aerial displays while adapting to contemporary management needs; the 2024 edition attracted nearly 13,000 attendees.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Runways and Navigation

Shellharbour Airport features two asphalt runways configured for diverse wind conditions. The primary , designated 16/34, measures 1,819 meters in length and 30 meters in width, providing the main north-south orientation for most operations. The secondary , 08/26, is shorter at 1,331 meters long and 30 meters wide, serving east-west approaches when crosswinds favor that alignment. Both runways are classified under CASA Code 2C standards, supporting and regional jets up to approximately 50,000 kg based on their pavement classification number (PCN) ratings of 40 for 16/34 and 19 for 08/26. Navigation at the airport relies on non-precision approaches without an instrument landing system (ILS). Runway 16/34 is equipped with precision approach path indicators (PAPI) for visual guidance—3.7° on approach to 16 and 3.4° offset 5° west on 34—along with a non-directional beacon (NDB) for en-route and approach navigation. Additional aids include GNSS-based required navigation performance (RNP) procedures for runway 16/34 and an NDB-A approach. As an uncontrolled aerodrome lacking a control tower, operations use the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) of 127.3 MHz for self-announced positions and intentions, supplemented by an aerodrome frequency response unit (AFRU) to confirm transmissions. Runway 16/34 features low-intensity runway lights (LIRL) with pilot-activated lighting (PAL) on 127.3 MHz for night operations, while 08/26 is equipped with LIRL but prohibits night landings except with night vision imaging systems (NVIS) due to high terrain. The airport's coastal proximity introduces wind-shear risks, particularly during takeoffs and landings on the shorter runway 08/26, where pilots must use the full length and avoid simulated engine failures. restrictions further limit heavier aircraft: taxiways A and B are unavailable for over 5,700 kg MTOW, and G for over 30,000 kg MTOW. Maintenance efforts ensure operational reliability, with runway 16/34 upgraded and resurfaced in 2018 to achieve its current PCN 40 rating. Following a fatal aircraft incident on runway 26 in October 2025, where a Piper PA-32 crashed during takeoff, emergency repairs were promptly initiated to address damage from the post-impact fire and restore full usability. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's preliminary report, released on 13 November 2025, found no evidence of mechanical failure in the aircraft, though the investigation into the cause continues. No major resurfacing occurred in 2023, though ongoing funding supports pavement monitoring and minor enhancements.

Terminals, Hangars, and Support Services

Shellharbour Airport features a compact passenger terminal that was redeveloped and opened in 2021 to support regional operations. The single-story building includes check-in counters, a waiting area with approximately 150 seats, a small arrivals zone, and a café, accommodating up to 200 passengers at peak times. As an unscreened facility for regional flights, it lacks dedicated security screening, aligning with its focus on low-volume services like those provided by . The airport supports through multiple s dedicated to storage, maintenance, and operations. These include facilities for local operators such as the Flyers, which provides pilot training and services. A prominent feature is the dedicated hangar complex of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), comprising three main hangars that house and display restored historic , with ongoing projects and plans for expansion. Additionally, Toll Group maintains a facility at the airport for helicopter operations, supporting air ambulance and rescue missions in coordination with NSW Ambulance. Support services at the airport include an Automated Weather Information Service (AWIS) accessible via telephone and VHF radio, aiding pilots with real-time meteorological data. Fire and services are currently provided by local arrangements rather than a dedicated Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS), as passenger volumes have not yet reached the threshold requiring full ARFFS implementation. The , expanded in 2021, offers parking for over 20 aircraft across its main bays and western areas, with three dedicated positions for regional jets like the Boeing 717. Accessibility enhancements, introduced during the 2021 terminal upgrade, feature step-free access, lifts for aircraft boarding, and signage throughout the facilities.

Fuel and Maintenance Capabilities

Shellharbour Airport provides services through Aerorefuellers, offering Jet A-1 and 100LL as the primary types available for operations. These fuels support a range of , charter, and regional , with 24/7 access facilitated by self-service dispensing stations and full-service options via a dedicated contact number, though callout fees may apply for after-hours assistance. Maintenance capabilities at the airport cater primarily to light and aircraft, including on-site repair, electrical, instrument, radio services, and line maintenance through providers such as Performance Aviation and Aircraft Maintenance Services. These facilities support and engines, with limited jet maintenance available via modifications and fit-outs handled by tenants like Total Aerospace Solutions, but no comprehensive major overhaul operations are present on-site. The airport hosts the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), which conducts specialized maintenance and restorations for vintage aircraft in partnership with airport operations, enhancing support for historical projects.

Operations and Airlines

Scheduled Passenger Services

Shellharbour Airport's scheduled passenger services are provided solely by , which operates Saab 340B+ aircraft with 34 seats on all routes. These services connect the airport directly to (Tullamarine) and with a total of 28 weekly flights, operated six days a week, offering regional connectivity without any international options. Passenger traffic at the airport reached approximately 50,000 annually in the pre-COVID period, reflecting steady regional demand before the disrupted operations. By 2023, numbers had recovered to around 40,000 passengers per year, supported by the resumption of services and post- travel trends. Link Airways resumed scheduled passenger flights from Shellharbour in 2019 following a multi-year gap in commercial operations, enhancing the schedule to include up to 32 weekly flights by mid-year. The airline maintains a codeshare partnership with , allowing seamless connections for passengers traveling beyond the primary destinations. These services emphasize convenience for the region's travelers, with flights operating six days a week to avoid peak weekend congestion.

General Aviation and Charter Flights

Shellharbour Airport serves as a primary hub for activities in the region, accommodating private recreational flying, pilot , and non-scheduled charter operations. The airport records approximately 36,500 aircraft movements annually, with the majority attributed to , including a significant portion from local flight schools such as NSW Air Flight and Flight School. These flights emphasize skill development in a challenging environment, given the surrounding terrain that requires heightened pilot awareness for safe operations. Charter services at the airport include aerial sightseeing tours over the scenic coastline, operated by providers like Touchdown Helicopters and Southern Biplane Adventures, offering passengers views of Lake Illawarra and nearby beaches. Additionally, the airport supports flights through partnerships with Toll Ambulance Rescue, which bases helicopters there for rapid response missions across southern . Key users of the facility encompass recreational pilots affiliated with groups like the Illawarra Flyers, as well as skydiving operations such as Skydive the Beach and BIGWAVE Skydive, which conduct tandem jumps with beach landings from the airport's runways. The airport operates in uncontrolled up to 7,500 feet, a non-towered environment that necessitates self-reliant pilot procedures, particularly due to proximity to terrain features that can affect approach and departure paths. Fuel and maintenance services available on-site further enable these diverse activities.

Historical Aircraft Restoration Society

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) is a founded in 1979 by a group of enthusiasts committed to preserving and restoring significant to Australian history. The society established its primary operations at Shellharbour Airport in the early 2000s, beginning hangar and museum development in 2000 before fully relocating from around 2002, where it now maintains a large collection of over 50 historic in various states of restoration and display. HARS focuses on recovering, restoring, and operating vintage , with a particular emphasis on those from and the post-war commercial era, supported entirely by volunteers including professionals and enthusiasts. HARS's collection includes notable examples such as the Boeing 747-400 VH-OJA, known as City of Canberra, which was Qantas's first 747-400 and arrived at Shellharbour Airport in March 2015 for preservation as a static exhibit, allowing public access to its cockpits and cabins. Another key acquisition is the Boeing 707-138B VH-EBM, donated by actor and pilot John Travolta in 2017; dismantling was completed in mid-2025, with the aircraft shipped to Australia and arrival at Shellharbour planned for November 2025 for reassembly, targeted for display ahead of the 2026 airshow season. The fleet also features airworthy restorations like the CAC CA-12 Boomerang A46-73, a rare World War II-era Australian fighter under long-term restoration to flying condition, alongside operational aircraft such as the Lockheed L1049 Super Constellation and Douglas DC-3. These examples highlight HARS's dedication to maintaining flyable heritage aircraft while utilizing dedicated hangars at the airport for storage and maintenance. HARS engages the public through its aviation museum at Shellharbour Airport, which offers guided tours, cockpit access, and open days featuring restoration workshops where visitors can observe volunteer-led work on historic airframes. The society conducts joy flights in restored like the Super Constellation during special events, providing passengers with experiential flights that showcase operational vintage . These activities emphasize hands-on education about aircraft preservation techniques and Australian aviation milestones. HARS significantly impacts aviation heritage by organizing and contributing to the annual Airshows Downunder Shellharbour event (formerly Wings Over ), held biennially at Shellharbour Airport, where its fleet performs flypasts, static displays, and joy flights to educate thousands on the region's and nation's aviation history. Through these efforts, HARS fosters public appreciation for preserved , ensuring their stories and technical legacies endure for future generations.

Access and Ground Transportation

Road and Parking Access

Shellharbour Airport is primarily accessed by private vehicle via Airport Road and Hargraves Avenue, both branching off the (A1) in the suburb of Albion Park Rail. Travelers heading south from can take the M1 Pacific Motorway, which transitions into the Princes Highway; the airport entrance is the first right-hand turn onto Airport Road immediately after the Terry Street roundabout. From the northbound direction, drivers exit the M1 onto Hargraves Avenue or continue to Airport Road after the Station Street intersection. This positioning places the airport approximately 5 km from the nearest M1 interchange, enabling efficient connectivity for regional and interstate journeys. The drive from Wollongong's to the airport typically takes about 20 minutes via the , covering roughly 18 km through suburban and semi-rural terrain. The entry roads, including the main Airport Road approach, consist of standard two-lane configurations designed to handle and passenger traffic without significant congestion. Parking facilities at the airport are ample and user-friendly, with over 140 designated spaces available free of charge for both short-term and long-term use as of November 2025. Short-term parking, suitable for pick-ups and drop-offs, offers 44 spaces directly north of building, limited to a maximum of one hour. Long-term parking provides 100 spaces approximately 100 meters north of , ideal for extended stays by passengers or personnel. Secure parking options are also available specifically for airport staff and businesses, ensuring protected vehicle storage within the precinct. The airport's proximity to Albion Park Rail station, approximately 950 meters away, allows for seamless integration of road access with public rail services for those combining driving and transit.

Public Transit Connections

Shellharbour Airport is served by local bus routes operated by Premier Illawarra, with stops located on the approximately 500 meters from the passenger terminal, requiring a short walk. Routes 37 (Wollongong to Shellharbour via Dapto), 57 (Wollongong to Shellharbour via Warrawong), and 77 (Shellharbour to Albion Park loop) provide connections to , Shellharbour City Centre, and nearby suburbs, operating daily with frequencies typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours and less frequently off-peak. These services use modern low-floor, air-conditioned buses equipped for , including wheelchair ramps and priority seating. Rail access is available via Albion Park railway station, situated about 950 meters south of the airport along a pedestrian-friendly path adjacent to the . This station is on the , offering hourly services northward to (approximately 1 hour 52 minutes to 2 hours travel time) and southward to Kiama, , and Bomaderry. Passengers can use the Transport NSW Trip Planner to align train schedules with flight arrivals and departures. For immediate ground transport, taxi ranks are designated outside the terminal, serviced by the Taxi Network (phone: 02 4254 2111), while rideshare pick-up zones accommodate services like . Private shuttle and charter options, including Sheppo's Shuttlebus and Leisure Coast Limousine Service, are available for pre-booked transfers to regional destinations, though no dedicated public airport shuttle operates directly to the terminal as of 2025.

Incidents and Safety

Notable Accidents and Crashes

On December 18, 1961, a Bristol 170 Freighter operated by Pacific Aviation Research and Development (registration VH-AAH) experienced engine failure during a training flight from practicing engine failure procedures, carrying a cargo of breakfast cereals. The lost altitude, struck trees, and crash-landed in lakeside woodland near , but all four occupants survived with injuries and were rescued. The incident was attributed to the failure of one engine, leading to an attempted . On April 2, 1989, a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (registration VH-NOE) operated by Aviation Centre crashed into the sea off Bass Point, east of Illawarra Regional Airport (Shellharbour Airport), during a positioning flight from . The sole pilot was killed in the ditching, with no passengers on board; the aircraft was attempting an NDB approach in poor weather conditions when contact was lost. Investigation by the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation determined that the reason for the aircraft flying into the sea could not be conclusively established, though weather and pilot decision-making were factors under review. On October 11, 2025, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance (registration VH-JVA) crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 26 at Shellharbour Airport while en route to Bathurst for the Bathurst 1000 motor race, carrying the pilot and two passengers. The single-engine aircraft rolled approximately 410 m before liftoff at 61 kt into a 12 kt headwind, pitched up, yawed left, reached 70 kt, stalled, and impacted the ground adjacent to the runway, resulting in a post-impact fire that fatally injured all three occupants despite a rapid emergency response. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's ongoing investigation is examining potential pilot error, aircraft performance, and environmental factors, with no mechanical faults identified in the preliminary report released on November 13, 2025; the incident caused temporary damage to the runway that was repaired shortly thereafter. Over its more than 80 years of operation since the , Shellharbour Airport has maintained a low overall rate of incidents, with only two fatal events recorded, underscoring its relative record for activities.

Safety Protocols and Improvements

Shellharbour Airport operates as a non-towered , relying on the (CTAF) of 127.3 MHz for air traffic coordination. Pilots are required to make mandatory broadcasts of their position and intentions when entering, operating within, and departing the circuit area to maintain and reduce collision risks. This procedure is emphasized in operational guidelines and reinforced following incidents such as the 2023 runway , where inadequate radio communication contributed to the event. To address wildlife hazards, the airport maintains a comprehensive management program aligned with the National Airports Safeguarding Framework (NASF) Guideline C, focusing on monitoring and mitigating bird strike risks within a 13 km buffer zone around the runways. This includes regular assessments of attractants like and sources, with proactive measures to minimize encounters during peak bird activity periods. Ground safety is supported by an on-site Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) team, categorized at Level 6 or 7 depending on operational scenarios, equipped with at least two response vehicles positioned at a central control center for rapid intervention. Runway incursion prevention training for pilots and ground personnel has been enhanced post-2023, incorporating scenario-based simulations to improve communication and adherence to procedures. Additionally, the airport conducts periodic emergency response drills in collaboration with local services, such as the 2018 full-scale exercise involving police, , and council teams to simulate incidents and refine coordination protocols. Key improvements include the installation of low-intensity runway edge lights on Runway 16/34 during the 2010s to support safer night and low-visibility operations, alongside the recent addition of Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI) to Runway 08/26. The airport holds certification from the (CASA) for regional operations under Part 139 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, with annual safety audits encompassing obstacle limitation surface surveys to ensure ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.

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