Airport type Public Elevation AMSL 616 ft / 188 m 1,157 3,796 Elevation 188 m | 06/24 1,157 Code CNJ | |
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Similar Cloncurry Tourist Informatio, Departme of Transport, MAX Employm Cloncurry, Central Hotel Cloncurry, Gidgee Inn Motel | ||
Cloncurry Airport (IATA: CNJ, ICAO: YCCY) is an airport in Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia.
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History
Cloncurry Airport has been the focal point for many of Australia’s greatest innovations. Cloncurry was involved with the beginnings of QANTAS, and the original QANTAS hangar is still in use at the aerodrome, where "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service" is still displayed above the hangar door.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service was founded there in 1928, now recognised the world over. The airport was also on route for early planes coming from overseas and a stopping place for contestants in the great air races of 1919 and 1934.
World War II
Due to the strategic importance of Cloncurry aerodrome on the main Darwin–Sydney air route, the Royal Australian Air Force expanded the aerodrome during World War II. Intended to be a major airbase should the Empire of Japan have occupied New Guinea and Papua.
During the Second World War, Cloncurry Airport was the site of a major United States Army Air Forces air base in 1942. As the war moved north, the USAAF units located north to forward bases.