Essendon Airport operates 24 hours a day and supports over 60,000 annual aircraft movements.
Airport Location
Essendon Airport is located just 10 kilometers from Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Airport Elevation
Essendon Airport is elevated 282 ft Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).
Runways
The airport has two runways. An east/west (08/26) runway of 1921 meters and a north/south (17/35) runway of 1503 meters. Both runways are 45 meters in width. Due to Noise Abatement Procedures Essendon Airport has an aircraft weight limitation of 45,000KG.
Taxiways
All aerodrome taxiways are rated to the International Civil Aviation Organisations Aerodrome Reference Code 3C.
Airport Lighting
Runway 17/35 has Medium Intensity Runway Lighting
Runway 08/26 has High Intensity Runway Lighting
All four runways are fitted with a Precision Approach Path Indicator system
All taxiways have centre line lighting
Runway Guard Lights are fitted on all taxiways leading onto a runway.
Navigational Aids
RWY 26 has a Category 1 Instrument Landing System. The airport is also equipped with a Non Directional Beacon.
Air Traffic Control
Airservices Australia operate a 24 hour Air Traffic Control service. The Essendon Airport Control Tower is active Monday to Friday from 0615-2200, Saturday 0700/2200 and Sunday 0800/2200 local time. Outside these hours control service is available from Melbourne Approach.
Refueling
Mobil Aviation (Supporting Air BP & Shell Aviation)
Agent : Aerofuels Essendon Pty Ltd
Hours : Monday to Friday 0600 – 2200, Saturday to Sunday 0700 – 1700
Phone : 03 9379 1518
Fax : 03 9379 4669
After Hours : 0419 336 133, 0417 538 257, 0418 125 636
Radio Frequency : VHF 129.9 MHz Call Refuel “AVGAS” or “JET”
Availability : Mobile AVGAS & JET A-1 Refueller, AVGAS Bowser (Mobil Aviation Carnet Only)
Call out fees apply
Payment : Mobil Aviation Carnet, Air BP Carnet, Shell Aviation Carnet, UVAIR Carnet, World Fuel Services Carnet, VISA, Mastercard
Requests for fuel in excess of 10,000 litres require 24 hours prior notice
Aircraft Parking
Essendon Airport does not provide an aircraft marshalling service. Requests for aircraft marshalling should be directed to the airlines or Fixed Based Operators.
Aircraft parking allocation is controlled by Essendon Airport. No aircraft, other than those authorised to do so, are permitted to park in the RPT parking area located directly outside the passenger terminal. Unless otherwise marked all aircraft parking bays are for public use.
Security
Essendon Airport is classified as a security controlled airport under the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005
A newly established perimeter fence encloses the airside area of Essendon Airport. In addition, a CCTV system which monitors activity around the airport 24 hours a day. EAPL staff, Office of Transport Security Inspectors, specialised security officers and the Australian Federal Protective Services conduct regular inspections of the airside area.
Airside access through EAPL gates is controlled through a security access system. Access through these gates is via an access card, issued and controlled by EAPL Management.
Regular Public Transport Area
Essendon Airport has a Regular Public Transport (RPT) area, which is located directly outside the main terminal building and is designated by markings on the ground and signage around the area. It is a requirement under the Regulations that all persons accessing this area must have a valid ASIC, or be a passenger under escort of a pilot holding an ASIC, or have a Visitor Identification Card (VIC) and be under escort by an ASIC holder. Only aircraft participating in RPT operations may park in this area.
Vehicle Access
Essendon Airport has five vehicle access gates at different locations, which provide an automated method for vehicle access to authorised persons. Access through these gates is via an EAPL approved access card system.
Pedestrian Access
To gain access to airside on foot an access card is required. Essendon Airport has three areas where pedestrians can access airside - through the airport terminal, at an access gate north of the airport terminal, and through an access gate between Hangar 4 and Hangar 5.
For more information regarding vehicle or pedestrian airside access please refer to the following documents located in the downloads section of this website:
Airside Safety Operating Procedures manual
Airside Drivers Licence Application
Airside Vehicle Registration Application
Pedestrian Access Card Application
Passenger Terminal
The passenger terminal is open from 0600- 2200 hours daily. A café, toilet and shower facilities and public telephones are provided.
Three vehicle rental operators have direct phone lines located within the terminal building where hire vehicles may be ordered.
Ample vehicle parking is available outside the terminal building and is provided free of charge. Essendon Airport does not accept responsibility of any vehicles parked on the airport.
Note:
Technical Information should be obtained from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority or Airservices Australia to ensure accuracy.