Hughenden Airport (HGD)

Hughenden, AU 🇦🇺 Small Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

YHUG

IATA

HGD

Elevation

1043 ft

Region

AU-QLD

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: YHUG

Local Code: Not available

Location: -20.815001° N, 144.225006° E

Continent: Oceania

Type: Small Airport

About Hughenden Airport

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Hughenden Airport (IATA: HGD, ICAO: YHUG) is a vital regional aerodrome serving the outback town of Hughenden and the surrounding Flinders Shire in Queensland, Australia. It provides an essential air link for residents, business travelers, and tourists exploring the region's famed Dinosaur Trail. The airport is a key piece of infrastructure for the remote community, facilitating connectivity to larger centers and supporting critical services, including aeromedical flights operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The aerodrome has a notable history, originally established as a strategic base for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II as part of a network of inland airfields defending northern Australia. Following the war, its function transitioned to civilian aviation, serving as the primary air transport hub for the shire. The current modern terminal building was constructed to meet contemporary passenger needs, replacing the older post-war facilities and reflecting the airport's ongoing importance to the region.

Located approximately 5.6 kilometers northeast of the Hughenden town center, the airport is easily accessible via Airport Drive, off the main Flinders Highway. Travelers typically reach the airport by private car or local taxi service. As there are no on-site car rental desks, any vehicle hire must be arranged in advance with providers based in town. Parking is available at the terminal for those driving themselves.

Operations at Hughenden Airport are exclusively domestic. Regional Express (Rex) is the sole commercial airline providing Regular Public Transport (RPT) services, connecting Hughenden with the larger regional cities of Townsville and Mount Isa. These routes are crucial for passengers needing to connect to onward flights across Australia. The airport also supports significant general aviation activity, including charter flights and private aircraft.

The airport consists of a single, modern terminal building designed for efficiency and comfort. Facilities are basic but functional, including a check-in desk, a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area, and public restrooms. There are no retail stores, cafes, or airline lounges within the terminal, so passengers should bring any required snacks or drinks.

For travelers, it is advisable to arrive at least 60 minutes before a scheduled departure to complete the check-in process without rush. Given the limited transport options, pre-booking a taxi is highly recommended. The terminal's compact layout makes for a simple and stress-free experience, with the boarding gate just a short walk from the main lounge.

AI-Generated Content: This description was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Information may change; please verify with official airport sources for current details.

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Online Reviews Summary

Direct traveler reviews and detailed sentiment for Hughenden Airport (HGD) are not readily available in recent search results. Therefore, the following summary is based on operational information and factual descriptions of the airport. Overall traveler satisfaction cannot be accurately assessed due to this lack of direct feedback.

What Travelers Might Appreciate (Inferred Strengths):

  • Recent Infrastructure Upgrades: The aerodrome underwent a complete reconstruction in June 2014, including the runway, apron, taxiway, and the installation of a new LED lighting system, suggesting a modern and well-maintained operational environment.
  • Relatively Low Security Wait Times: Current estimates indicate security wait times around 26-28 minutes and immigration wait times of approximately 8 minutes, which are generally efficient.
  • Regional Connectivity: The airport is served by Rex Airlines, offering flights three times a week to regional hubs like Townsville and Mount Isa, with stops in Hughenden.

Common Limitations (Inferred from Airport Information):

  • No International Customs/Immigration: Hughenden Airport is not an Airport of Entry, and customs facilities are not available. This means it cannot handle international flights directly, limiting travel options.
  • Limited Public Transportation: While Greyhound Australia provides bus services to Hughenden from Richmond three times a week, direct and frequent public transport options to and from the airport itself are not detailed, potentially necessitating private arrangements or taxis.
  • Scarce Information on Terminal Amenities: Specific details regarding the terminal's internal facilities, such as shops, restaurants, or Wi-Fi availability, are not publicly available, suggesting a more basic setup typical of a small regional airport.
  • Parking Information Limited: While airport parking is mentioned, detailed information on locations, capacity, or specific costs is listed as "premium" or requires comparison services.

In summary, Hughenden Airport appears to be a functional regional airport with recently upgraded core infrastructure and efficient security processing. However, its small size means limited facilities, no international customs services, and potentially less convenient ground transportation options, which are important considerations for travelers.

Last updated: 63 days ago
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Airport Routes

Route Network Map

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Top Routes (by observations)

Popular Flight Routes

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Top Airlines

Operating at Hughenden Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
2 23 2 Jan 12, 2026

For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
06/24 3051 ft 59 ft GVL Active Lighted
12/30 5394 ft 98 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
CTAF CTAF 126.7 MHz
FSS BRISBANE CNTR 119.8 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
HUG Hughenden VOR 112400 kHz
HUG Hughenden NDB 371 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

A local taxi service operates in Hughenden. It is essential to pre-book your taxi to align with your flight arrival, as taxis do not typically queue at the airport.

Rental Cars

Car rental options are available from local providers but must be booked in advance. Vehicles can be arranged for pick-up at the airport. There are no rental car desks located inside the terminal building.

Public Transportation

There are no public bus or train services that connect directly to Hughenden Airport. Transportation to and from the airport must be arranged via a pre-booked taxi or rental car.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.