List of Airports in Norfolk Island
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the Norfolk Island according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Norfolk Island are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Norfolk Island
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norfolk Island Airport | NLK | Norfolk Island | Medium |
Major Airports in Norfolk Island
1. Norfolk Island International Airport (Norfolk Island)
Airport Code:
NLK
Time Zone:
Norfolk Standard Time (NFT) – UTC +11
Address:
Norfolk Island International Airport, Norfolk Island, Australia
Nearby Cities:
- Burnt Pine – 1 mile
- Kingston – 2 miles
- Middlegate – 5 miles
- Cascade – 7 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Norfolk Island Airlines
- Jetstar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 50,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Norfolk Island International Airport is located on Norfolk Island, a small territory in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 miles east of Australia and 600 miles north of New Zealand. The airport is situated just a short distance from the island’s main settlement, Burnt Pine, and serves as the primary point of entry for both international and domestic travelers visiting the island.
The airport was established in 1963 and initially served as a smaller airstrip for the local population. Over the years, it has expanded significantly to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing passenger demand. The facility was upgraded in the 1980s, with further developments in the 2000s to enhance both passenger experience and operational capacity.
The island of Norfolk itself has a unique history as a former penal colony, and it is famous for its Norfolk Island Pine trees, rich culture, and historical sites such as Kingston, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The economy of Norfolk Island relies heavily on tourism, with the airport serving as the gateway for visitors arriving to explore its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and heritage sites.
The airport’s international status allows for regular flights to and from Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, making it a crucial link for the island’s tourism and local business activities. Despite its small size, the airport plays a vital role in supporting Norfolk Island’s connectivity with the outside world.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Norfolk Island International Airport features a modern terminal and one primary runway that handles both domestic and international flights.
- Runway 1: Length 5,250 feet (1,600 meters)
The runway is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, as well as smaller regional jets like the Bombardier Dash 8. However, it cannot accommodate large wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 due to its shorter length.
The terminal at Norfolk Island International Airport offers basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim areas, a small duty-free shop, and lounges. There is also a café and restaurant serving passengers and visitors. While the airport may not have the amenities of larger international airports, it provides essential services for travelers heading to and from Norfolk Island.
Ground transportation options from the airport include taxis, shuttles, and rental cars, which are available to transport visitors to various locations around the island, including the Burnt Pine area and popular tourist sites like Emily Bay and Anson Bay.
2. Burnt Pine Airstrip (Norfolk Island)
Airport Code:
N/A (Private/Charter)
Time Zone:
Norfolk Standard Time (NFT) – UTC +11
Address:
Burnt Pine Airstrip, Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island, Australia
Nearby Cities:
- Burnt Pine – 1 mile
- Kingston – 3 miles
- Middlegate – 5 miles
- Cascade – 7 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Norfolk Island Airlines (Charter)
- Private Charter Operators
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Limited (mostly charter and private flights)
Airport Location and History
The Burnt Pine Airstrip is located within the Burnt Pine area of Norfolk Island, primarily used for private and charter flights. This smaller airstrip serves a limited role compared to the main Norfolk Island International Airport, catering to specific needs such as local tours, private flights, and charters for tourists or island residents. It is situated just outside the main town center, making it convenient for those traveling for more specific or short-distance routes on the island.
The airstrip has existed for many years, serving the island’s smaller aviation needs. It plays a role in local business and tourism by providing quick access to the island for small aircraft, such as those used for sightseeing or special purposes. The Burnt Pine Airstrip is also an essential part of Norfolk Island’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that visitors and residents can access the island even during times of increased passenger demand.
The island’s reliance on small aircraft is due in part to its relatively low population and the compact nature of its infrastructure. Burnt Pine Airstrip, while not a major commercial hub, plays an important role in the island’s aviation system, complementing the services of Norfolk Island International Airport.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Burnt Pine Airstrip is a small facility without extensive infrastructure but sufficient to support private flights and charters.
- Runway: Length 3,000 feet (914 meters)
The airstrip is suitable for small aircraft such as Cessna 172s and Piper Navajos, typically used for short domestic or regional flights. However, it is not designed to handle commercial airliners or larger aircraft. The facilities at the airstrip are basic, with no terminal building, though passengers typically board aircraft directly from the tarmac.
Since the airstrip serves mostly private and chartered flights, the ground transportation options are generally tailored for small groups or individual passengers. Visitors arriving on private aircraft are typically met by car services or shuttle buses arranged by their accommodations.
3. Cascade Airstrip (Norfolk Island)
Airport Code:
N/A (Private/Charter)
Time Zone:
Norfolk Standard Time (NFT) – UTC +11
Address:
Cascade Airstrip, Cascade, Norfolk Island, Australia
Nearby Cities:
- Cascade – 0 miles
- Burnt Pine – 6 miles
- Kingston – 7 miles
- Middlegate – 4 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Norfolk Island Airlines (Charter)
- Private Charter Operators
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Limited (mostly for local tours and charter services)
Airport Location and History
The Cascade Airstrip is located in the Cascade area of Norfolk Island, offering another small but functional airstrip for private and chartered flights. Unlike Norfolk Island International Airport, Cascade serves as a facility for more localized air travel, including smaller aircraft used for scenic flights, local transportation, and emergency services.
Historically, the Cascade Airstrip has been used for general aviation and by private flight operators. Though it is not as busy as the primary airport, Cascade Airstrip provides vital access to different parts of the island, especially for visitors and businesses needing quick travel options. The location in Cascade places it closer to some of Norfolk Island’s popular tourist attractions, making it convenient for island tours and expeditions.
The airstrip is particularly useful for charter flights and has been part of Norfolk Island’s aviation infrastructure for decades. Though the airstrip cannot handle larger commercial aircraft, it still plays an important role in the local transportation network, connecting visitors to the island’s natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Cascade Airstrip is a small, unpaved airstrip primarily for light aircraft.
- Runway: Length 2,500 feet (762 meters)
The Cascade Airstrip is designed to accommodate small aircraft like Cessna or Piper planes, typically used for regional flights or short excursions. The facility is limited in terms of amenities and infrastructure. There is no terminal or services available at the airstrip; passengers typically disembark directly onto the tarmac. This airstrip serves a smaller role in Norfolk Island’s air traffic and is mainly used for private, non-commercial flights.
There are no significant ground transportation services at the Cascade Airstrip, but taxis and private vehicles can be arranged through accommodations or local tour operators.
4. Kingston Airstrip (Norfolk Island)
Airport Code:
N/A (Private/Charter)
Time Zone:
Norfolk Standard Time (NFT) – UTC +11
Address:
Kingston Airstrip, Kingston, Norfolk Island, Australia
Nearby Cities:
- Kingston – 0 miles
- Burnt Pine – 2 miles
- Middlegate – 6 miles
- Cascade – 5 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Private Operators
- Charter Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Very limited, used primarily for private and charter flights
Airport Location and History
The Kingston Airstrip is another small airstrip located in the Kingston area of Norfolk Island. While not a major airport, it serves as an essential part of the island’s air travel network, mainly for private and chartered aircraft. The airstrip is strategically located near the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, one of the island’s key tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kingston was historically the site of Norfolk Island’s penal colony, and today it attracts visitors keen to learn about the island’s history. The Kingston Airstrip allows visitors arriving on private planes or smaller aircraft to easily access this significant location, whether for tourism or research purposes.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Kingston Airstrip is a small, rudimentary airstrip.
- Runway: Length 2,500 feet (762 meters)
The airstrip is not designed for large commercial aircraft and is primarily used for small private aircraft and charter services. There are no major facilities at the airstrip, and passengers typically disembark directly on the tarmac. Since the airstrip is located near key historical sites, it serves as a convenient arrival point for private tour groups or those seeking to visit the island’s heritage locations.