Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport (BQB)
Busselton, AU 🇦🇺 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
YBLN
IATA
BQB
Elevation
55 ft
Region
AU-WA
Local Time
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GPS Code: YBLN
Local Code: Not available
Location: -33.687222° N, 115.400278° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Small Airport
About Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport
Updated: Jan 1, 2026Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport (IATA: BQB, ICAO: YBLN) serves as the primary air gateway to Western Australia's renowned South West region, including the popular Margaret River wine country. Its strategic role is to facilitate direct access for tourism and business, reducing the need for the three-hour drive from Perth. The airport is situated in Yalyalup, approximately 8 kilometers from the Busselton town centre and about 50 kilometers north of the town of Margaret River. Access is straightforward via the Busselton Bypass and Vasse Highway, with travelers typically arriving by private car, taxi, pre-booked shuttle services, or rental vehicles.
Originally established as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base during World War II, the airfield has undergone significant transformation. A major redevelopment project, completed in the late 2010s, included the construction of a modern terminal and the extension of its runway to accommodate larger jet aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This upgrade was pivotal in elevating the airport's status from a small local airstrip to a key piece of regional infrastructure capable of handling interstate flights.
Currently, the airport's operations are focused on domestic routes. Jetstar Airways is the primary commercial operator, providing direct services to and from major eastern Australian cities, including Melbourne and Sydney. These flights are particularly popular with tourists visiting the region's wineries, breweries, and coastlines. The airport handles approximately 100,000 passengers annually, reflecting its status as a growing regional hub. The modern but compact terminal building is designed for efficiency. Facilities for travelers include airline check-in counters, a baggage claim area, a licensed café for light meals and beverages, and car rental desks for major providers.
For those traveling through Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport, it is advisable to arrive approximately 90 minutes prior to a scheduled domestic departure. Given the airport's smaller scale, check-in and security screening processes are generally swift. Pre-booking rental cars or airport transfers is highly recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons, as on-demand options can be limited. The airport's convenient location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the wider Capes region.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Travelers generally view Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport (YBLN (BQB)) as a convenient and pleasant regional airport, offering a largely hassle-free experience for those visiting the South West region of Western Australia. Sentiment leans positive, highlighting friendly staff and a clean environment, particularly for short trips.
What Travelers Love
- Friendly Staff and Local Vibe: Many reviews commend the friendly staff who contribute positively to the overall experience, creating a pleasant local atmosphere.
- Cleanliness and Essential Facilities: The airport is frequently praised for its clean and tidy environment and offers essential services like free Wi-Fi in the departure and arrival lounges, and clean public toilets including disabled access and baby change areas.
- Convenient Parking: Historically, parking was free and abundant, which was a significant draw. While parking is now largely paid, the first hour remains free, and there are over 600 bays available for short and long-term parking.
- Efficient Security and Check-in: Travelers report high satisfaction with check-in (93%) and security check (93%) processes, suggesting generally smooth and quick experiences. Real-time data as of late November 2025 indicated security wait times around 27 minutes and immigration at 8 minutes.
- Accessibility to Region: The airport's location provides easy access to Busselton and the popular Margaret River wine region.
Common Complaints
- Limited Terminal Facilities and Amenities: The current terminal has limited shopping options and a small kiosk, with the cafe "Poppy and Pip 'On the Fly'" not being licensed. The terminal also has constraints, making it impossible to operate concurrent flights and leading to a potentially crammed experience, especially with limited space for checked and oversized baggage.
- Wi-Fi Satisfaction: User satisfaction with Wi-Fi is relatively low (47%) compared to other services.
- Cost of On-site Amenities: While parking was noted as a strength, some reviews mention concerns about high prices for certain on-site amenities or services.
Overall, Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport is well-regarded for its efficiency, friendly service, and cleanliness, making it a good choice for travelers seeking a less-stressful airport experience. However, the existing terminal's limitations regarding concurrent operations, baggage handling, and amenities suggest areas for future development, which the City of Busselton is actively planning for.
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Airport Routes
Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport (BQB) offers 10 flight routes operated by 4 airlines. Major carriers include Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Alliance Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Busselton include Perth Int'l, Boolgeeda, Barimunya, Koodaideri Mine and Melbourne Tullamarine.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- West Angelas (WLP) new
- Boolgeeda (OCM) new
- Sydney (SYD) new
- Perth Int'l (PER) new
- Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) new
- Barimunya (BYP) new
- Koodaideri Mine (OOD) new
- Newman (ZNE) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Busselton Margaret River Regional AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Virgin Australia
VOZ
/ VA
|
5 | 70 | 5 | Feb 9, 2026 |
Jetstar
JST
/ JQ
|
2 | 22 | 2 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Alliance Airlines
UTY
/ QQ
|
2 | 6 | 2 | Nov 25, 2025 |
|
Network Aviation
NWK
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Sep 22, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03/21 |
8071 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CTAF | CTAF | 126.7 MHz |
| FSS | MELBOURNE CNTR | 124.9 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Local taxi services are available from a rank located outside the terminal. It is highly recommended to pre-book your taxi in advance to ensure availability, especially for flights arriving later in the day. Ride-sharing services like Uber may have limited availability in the region.
Rental Cars
Several major car rental companies operate service desks inside the airport terminal, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the region. Booking your vehicle well in advance is essential, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Public Transportation
There are no direct public bus or train services that stop at the Busselton Margaret River Regional Airport terminal. To connect with regional (TransWA) or local (TransBusselton) bus services, you must first travel to the Busselton town centre, which is approximately 8 km away, via taxi or a pre-booked shuttle.