Parkes Airport (IATA: PKE, ICAO: YPKS) is a regional public airport located approximately 4 nautical miles (7 km) north of the town of Parkes in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. The facility is owned and operated by the Parkes Shire Council and primarily serves general aviation, charter operations, and scheduled commercial flights.
Facilities
- Runway: One asphalt runway designated 12/30, measuring 1,798 metres (5,896 ft) in length and 30 metres in width, suitable for medium‑sized turboprop aircraft.
- Elevation: The airport sits at an elevation of 1,120 metres (3,674 ft) above mean sea level.
- Terminal: A small passenger terminal provides basic services, including check‑in facilities, a waiting area, and parking.
Operations
- Airlines and destinations: As of the most recent publicly available timetables, Regional Express (Rex) operates regular scheduled services between Parkes Airport and Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith), using the Saab 340 turboprop.
- General aviation: The airport accommodates private aircraft, flight training, aerial surveying, and occasional emergency medical flights.
- Cargo: No dedicated cargo services are listed; however, the airport can handle ad‑hoc freight operations.
History
- The airfield was originally constructed during World War II as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) emergency landing ground and training site.
- Following the war, the facility was transferred to civil control and developed as a regional airport serving the Parkes district.
- Over the decades, upgrades have been undertaken to improve runway surfacing, lighting, and terminal facilities, aligning the airport with contemporary safety standards.
Access
- The airport is accessed via the Mid-Western Highway, with road connections to the town of Parkes and surrounding communities.
- Limited public transport options are available; most passengers arrive by private car or taxi.
Regulatory and safety information
- Parkes Airport operates under the regulations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia.
- The airport is equipped with standard navigation aids, runway lighting, and an automated weather observing system to support safe operations under varying weather conditions.
References
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) – Airport Data Sheets.
- Australian AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) – Airport YPKS.
- Parkes Shire Council – Infrastructure and Services Publications.
Note: All information presented reflects the most reliable publicly available sources up to 2026. No speculative or unverified details have been included.
