Gove Airport

Background Information

Operated and maintained by the Nhulunbuy Corporation, Gove Airport commenced operation in the 1970’s and brings high quality transport services to remote East Arnhem Land to this day.

Gove Airport is serviced by Airnorth’s Darwin-Gove-Cairns return E170 or E190 jet service as well as smaller Brasilia 120 aircraft between Darwin, Groote Eylandt and Gove. There are a number of aircraft charter operators based at Gove Airport who conduct a combined total of around 16,000 movements a year. Additionally Gove is serviced by a full-time medical evacuation service operated by Careflight NT.

Shaped like an aircraft, the unique architecturally-designed Main Terminal today offers city-standard airport facilities to around 50,000 passengers who currently travel to and from the Gove Peninsula each year. The Main Terminal offers passengers a spacious, air-conditioned facility with an indoor baggage carousel. Dedicated security-controlled areas are available for commercial aircraft and a separate area is available to smaller general aviation craft.

Drop off zones can be found outside the Main Terminal, along with taxi and bus collection areas and car parking for up to 80 vehicles and 30 rental vehicles.

All fees associated with the Gove Airport can be found in the Nhulunbuy Corporations Schedule of Fees and Charges. 

The Airport Operations team can be contacted by calling (08) 8987 1370.

Gove Airport and the Nhulunbuy Corporation acknowledges the land we manage is owned by the Yolngu people.

We recognize the rich Aboriginal heritage within and around the airport lease and embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as a vital part of Australia’s identity.

Gove Airport actively recognizes, celebrates and pays respect to Yolngu Elders past, present and emerging.

History

The Gove Airport has a long and proud history of service to Australia and the Defence Force.

The airport is located on the site of the former RAAF Airfield Gove. The World War II airbase was built in 1943 and named for Pilot Officer William Gove who was killed in action near Maningrida.

During the war, the airfield was used by No. 83 Squadron RAAF flying CAC Boomerangs and No. 13 Squadron RAAF flying Lockheed Venturas, with No. 42 Squadron RAAF operating PBY Catalina flying boats out of nearby Drimmie Head.

At the height of operations, over 5,000 servicemen were stationed at the base.

Security 

The safety and security of our passengers and all staff within the airport precinct at Gove Airport is our highest priority. In today’s current climate, airport security is of the utmost importance. There are a number of rules and regulations associated with air travel that must be adhered to, to enable all aircrews and passengers to fly safely.

Inappropriate Jokes and Comments

Any comment made, even if in jest, regarding the possession or knowledge of possession of a weapon or explosive device will be taken seriously and may result in prosecution and/or refusal by the airline to carry you as a passenger.

Unattended Items

Baggage and personal items must not be left unattended at the Airport or in the terminal building for security and crime prevention reasons. Unattended items may be removed and quarantined for security reasons.

Please ensure that all baggage has your name and home address details on the inside and displayed on the outside.

Special Assistance

Sunflower Room

The Sunflower Room situated inside the Departure Lounge is to aid Special Assistance Guests and those with small children & babies who need a break away from the noise and bright lights of the main terminal to help them feel calm in a quieter environment.

The Sunflower Room is unlocked and available to our passengers. Guests who require use of the room can ask the Gove Enterprises Check-in Staff or any of the Airport staff inside the terminal for assistance and to be guided to the room. For more information, please refer to this webpage.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking for people with limited mobility is available at Gove Airport.  The spaces have been located to ensure easy access to pathways leading to the terminal building.

Alternatively, there is a dedicated 2 minute passenger pick up/drop off space at the front of the terminal.  Vehicles are only permitted in these areas while actively loading or unloading passengers.  Please note these areas are not waiting zones.

Toilets

Toilets for passengers with limited mobility are provided inside the terminal building between the Arrivals & Departures Areas.

Wheelchair Assistance

If you have pre-booked your flight with wheelchair assistance or require assistance during your flight, please notify the airline staff when checking in. Airline staff at check-in can provide passengers with wheelchairs, a lift into the aircraft (for passengers that may have difficulty using stairs), arrange early boarding, or provide general assistance whilst on-board the aircraft.

Transport Options

Car rental

Gove Rentals and Mechanicals is a car hire company that services Gove Airport. They have a kiosk onsite and are ready to supply you with a vehicle to suit your needs. Bookings can also be made via email at bookings@goverentals.com.au or by calling them on 08 8987 1700.

The booth is manned during flight arrivals and departures, however if unattended you will find a phone number on their counter to contact them directly.

Taxi

Taxis are also available and will pick you up at the airport if called. Gove Taxis can be contacted at 131 008 if you are in Nhulunbuy, or 08 8987 1144 if calling from outside of Nhulunbuy.

Airnorth

Please note that enquiries about Airnorth services should be directed to 1800 627 474 during office hours. Urgent after-hours enquiries should be directed to the Airnorth Ticketing Counter at Darwin International Airport on (08) 8920 4003 

Alternatively, please check the Airnorth website for up-to-date information on airline schedules.

Gove Enterprises

Please note that enquiries about check-in and ground handling should be directed to Gove Enterprises on 0428 065 259.

Frequently Asked Questions

An FAQ can be accessed on our website by pressing this link.