Adelaide International Airport (ADL)

Adelaide, AU 🇦🇺 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

YPAD

IATA

ADL

Elevation

20 ft

Region

AU-SA

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: YPAD

Local Code: Not available

Location: -34.947512° N, 138.533393° E

Continent: OC

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Adelaide International Airport (ADL) reveal a mixed but often challenging experience, particularly for international passengers. While some praise its modern facilities and efficient domestic operations, significant frustrations persist regarding international security, customs, and overall queue management. The airport was notably named Capital City Airport of the Year in 2024 for customer experience and service delivery, yet this positive recognition contrasts sharply with several negative traveler accounts.

What Travelers Love
  • Cleanliness and Modern Facilities: Many travelers describe the airport as clean, neat, and well-maintained, offering a decent range of shops, eateries, free WiFi, and charging stations.
  • Helpful Domestic Security Staff: Some passengers have highlighted the proactive and pleasant attitude of the security team for domestic flights, contrasting it with experiences at other airports.
  • Convenient Parking Options: Adelaide Airport offers various parking solutions, including the Terminal Car Park directly in front of the terminal, more affordable Long Term Car Park with a complimentary shuttle, and Valet Parking. EV charging bays are also available.
  • Accessibility Initiatives: The airport has been recognized for its efforts in customer experience, including piloting "Try Before You Fly" events for people with disabilities and offering assistance for those with accessibility needs.
Common Complaints
  • International Security and Customs Delays: This is a major and frequent complaint, with reports of "chaos" and extremely long queues (over 200 people) for international security. Travelers express frustration with outdated procedures, such as unpacking liquids and electronics, double security checks, and unhelpful or aggressive staff.
  • Inconsistent Cleanliness: Despite some positive comments, at least one recent review from early 2024 noted a significant drop in cleaning standards, specifically mentioning "disgusting" bathrooms.
  • Parking Costs and Customer Service: While various parking options exist, some travelers find prices to be expensive and the car parks overcrowded. There have also been complaints about ineffective customer support when seeking refunds for parking.
  • Inability to Handle International Arrivals: Several accounts describe the airport struggling to manage the volume of passengers during peak international arrival times, leading to significant delays in customs and baggage areas.

Overall, Adelaide International Airport offers a modern terminal with some good amenities, and it has received accolades for its operational excellence and accessibility efforts. However, the international traveler experience is frequently marred by significant issues related to security wait times, customs efficiency, and staff demeanor, which seem to overshadow some of its positive attributes. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays, especially during international departures and arrivals.

Generated 6 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Adelaide International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Qantas
QFA / QF
10 467 10 Dec 11, 2025
9 295 9 Dec 11, 2025
Jetstar
JST / JQ
11 264 11 Dec 11, 2025
5 121 5 Dec 11, 2025
4 116 4 Dec 11, 2025
5 111 5 Dec 11, 2025
2 17 2 Dec 6, 2025
1 11 1 Dec 11, 2025
1 11 1 Dec 11, 2025
2 11 2 Nov 26, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
05/23 10171 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
12/30 5420 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP/DEP Approach (East) 118.2 MHz
APP/DEP Approach (West) 124.2 MHz
ATIS ATIS 116.4 MHz
ATIS - 134.5 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 126.1 MHz
GND GND 121.7 MHz
TWR TWR 120.5 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
AD Adelaide VOR-DME 116400 kHz
AD Adelaide (DECOMMISSIONED) NDB 362 kHz
MBY Modbury (DECOMISSIONED) NDB 377 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

A dedicated taxi rank is located on the left side of the pedestrian plaza as you exit the terminal. Taxis are available 24/7 to take you directly to your destination. A small airport levy is added to the final fare.

Rental Cars

Car rental desks are located on the ground floor of the terminal, opposite the baggage claim area. Major companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Thrifty operate from the airport. Vehicles are collected from the multi-level car park adjacent to the terminal.

Public Transportation

Adelaide Metro's JetBus service (routes J1, J1X, J2) provides a direct and affordable connection to Adelaide's city centre, Glenelg, and West Beach. The bus stop is located to the left of the terminal exit. Fares can be paid using a metroCARD or by tapping a credit/debit card.

Nearby Airports

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~25 km away
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~28 km away
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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.