Gold Coast Airport has two runways; the main runway, Runway 14/32 (2.3 km long) is orientated north west – south east and the smaller cross runway, Runway 17/35 (0.6km) is orientated north-south.

Each runway is referred to differently according to in which direction it is being used, as explained in the following video.

For example the main runway is known as Runway 32 when used in a northerly direction and Runway 14 when used in a southerly direction. Runway numbering reflects the runways’ orientation and correlates with degrees on a compass. Runway 32 is 320 degrees.

Runway selection and seasonal winds

Runway selection is based on wind direction, weather conditions, traffic volume and other factors. Aircraft primarily take-off and land into the wind for safety and performance reasons. Therefore, as the wind direction changes the runway in operation may also change depending on the strength of the wind.

This means that Gold Coast’s seasonal wind patterns affect usage of the different runway directions. Throughout most of the year, the wind at Gold Coast Airport tends to be from the south to south-east which means greater use of Runway 14 with aircraft departing to the south and arriving from the north. During the spring months, the wind tends to be from the north which means greater use of Runway 32 with aircraft departing to the north and arriving from the south.

Gold Coast Airport also operates a Curfew that restricts some aircraft operations during the night.

To learn more about the flight paths at Gold Coast Airport, take a look at our Gold Coast Airport flight paths page.