Airport Redevelopment
Scroll down for Domestic Terminal & Public Access Map
There are 3 million reasons to transform Cairns Domestic Terminal into a state-of-the-art gateway to our region.
That's how many local, interstate and international visitors get their first impression of the region when passing through Cairns Domestic Terminal and that's why we are investing $200 million.
Current Changes
As the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment at Cairns Airport progresses the public are advised of the following changes:
New Taxi Rank & Limousine Pick-Up Area
The new northern loop road is now operational and includes the new Taxi Rank and Limousine Pick-Up areas. (Click here or scroll down for Map.)
New Bus Pick-Up Areas
There are some new Pick-Up Areas for the Public Bus, Large Coaches and Smaller Buses. (Click here or scroll down for Map.)
Common Check-In Area for All Airlines
Check-in for all Domestic airlines is in the spacious, state-of-the-art Common-Use Check-In Area at the southern (city) end of the Terminal.
Road Access
Vehicles can access the Public Carpark and the Public Drop-Off/Pick-Up Areas by taking the first turn left after the main roundabout at the intersection of Airport Avenue and Mick Borzi Drive. (Click here or scroll down for Map.)
Public Drop-Off/Pick-Up Areas
The Public Drop-Off Area is located opposite Check-In at the southern (city) end of the Domestic Terminal.
The Public Pick-Up Area is located at the centre of the Terminal. Vehicles can proceed directly into the Public Carpark from this area, exit the airport or proceed to the International Terminal or Rental Carpark.
Both the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas include a space for people with a disability.
There is also a temporary Public Pick-Up area for people with a disability located within the Airport Operations Centre car park. (Click here or scroll down for Map.)
Arriving Passengers
Passengers arrive either into Gates 18 - 22 located inside the Departures Lounge or Gate 1 adjacent to the interim Baggage Claim building. Check the Flight Information Display Screens for the arrival gate number of each flight.
Rental Car Offices & Returns
All rental car offices are now located in the interim Baggage Claim facility.
Access to the Domestic Rental Car Park and the Airport Operations Centre is via Mick Borzi Drive, turn left just before the Intenational Terminal. (Click here or scroll down for Map)
Cairns Airport thanks you for your patience as this major project continues.
Click here or call 1800 177 748 for more information.
2nd Major Milestone: 28 October 2009
On 28 October 2009 Cairns Airport announced that all airlines had relocated their check-in to the new Combined Check-in area at the southern (city) end of the Domestic Terminal.
1st Major Milestone: 26 November 2008
Cairns Airport was pleased to announce the opening of the First Stage of the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment. on 26 November 2008.
Click here to view a flythrough of the future vision of our Airport. (File size 6 meg)

Click on map to enlarge

Click on picture to enlarge Click on picture to enlarge
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Project Info & News
Construction works at Cairns Domestic Airport

- Cairns Domestic Terminal remains fully operational throughout the extensive redevelopment.
- Construction works commenced in August 2007 and are expected to be completed in late 2010.
- Extension of the terminal to the south has now been completed to create a spacious common user check-in facility.
- Upgrades to roads and car parking areas are also well underway.
- Current works focus on completion of the new Arrivals Hall and completion of the upgrade of the Departure Lounge.
- All baggage claim and all car rental offices are currently located in the temporary arrivals facility at the northern end of the terminal.
- Safe access will remain for people travelling to the airport by bicycle and on foot.
- Please allow for possible delays when planning your next trip.
We appreciate your feedback on this milestone project. Please call us on 1800 177 748 with any questions or comments.
This $200 million gateway will offer:
- Exceptional security and state-of-the-art passenger handling technology
- Convenient and consolidated check-in areas for all airlines
- More variety of retail outlets for passengers
- Five modern aerobridges catering for new aircraft types and improved aircraft access
- Better access roads, carparks and pedestrian walkways
- Sustainable development features
The Domestic Terminal Redevelopment is a significant investment into our region and for the 3 million passengers passing through the terminal each year. It will cater for and encourage economic growth for the next twenty years. With your cooperation and support this important project is cleared for take off.
Project timeline
(Indicative project dates only)
| Early to mid 2008 |
- Introduction of automated multi-view baggage screening for all checked baggage
- Continued construction of terminal extension at southern end of Domestic Terminal
- Terminal extension around central entrance of the terminal
- Upgrade to substation and power supplies
- Continued upgrade to short and long-term car parks
- Construction of new retail units
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| Mid to late 2008 |
- Opening of third passenger screening point
- Apron extension and installation of new aerobridges 21 and 22
- Completion of first stage of consolidated check-in area at southern end of terminal (Qantas, QantasLink & Skytrans now check-in here)
- Continued work on baggage handling facilities at southern end of terminal
- Continued upgrade to car parks and access roads
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| 2009 |
- Replacement of aerobridges 19 and 20
- Continued fit out and refurbishment of retail units
- Completion of consolidated check-in area at southern end of terminal
- Redevelopment of baggage claim facilities
- Qantas Club relocates to mezzanine level
- Completion of car parks works
- Completion of access roads
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| 2010 |
- Replacement of aerobridge 18
- Completion of consolidated Arrivals area
- Completion of Domestic Terminal Redevelopment
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News Updates
The latest updates from Cairns Airport.
Flights into and out of Cairns Airport are operating as normal today. Please contact your airline for information regarding specific flights.
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Cairns Airport welcomes Cathay Pacific’s announcement of an extra flight each week from Cairns to Hong Kong from 21 November this year, which will bring this up to a daily service........read more
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) has recently launched a "Fly from Cairns" campaign to inform the local population of the many cities which are linked by non-stop services from Cairns and offer special weekly deals to these key destinations. The direct services from Cairns to Port Moresby, Auckland, Guam, Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong and flights to Singapore via Darwin offer enormous opportunities for convenient travel to most key global destinations.
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Recent passenger figures at Cairns Airport indicate a welcome upturn.......read more.
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Cairns Airport welcomes the announcement by Jetstar that they will introduce a non-stop Auckland – Cairns service in April next year.
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An early aviation theme continues as Cairns Airport gives new names to several roads within the airport grounds.....read more.
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Blue Sky Brewery has now opened in the Domestic Terminal Departure Lounge. Visitors to Cairns Airport are invited to enjoy this licensed bar serving naturally brewed 100% Cairns beer.
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Cairns Airport is set to become the region’s largest recycling private enterprise from today with the official launch of its new public place and back-of-house recycling initiatives. Read more
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd welcomes Jetstar's reinstated direct Osaka-Cairns service now operating four-times weekly and their increased domestic services from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth....more
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Cairns Airport welcomes Pacific Blue Airlines and congratulates them on commencement of their twice-weekly Auckland-Cairns service. more
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Congratulations to Cairns Airport Pty Ltd CEO, Stephen Gregg, who was surprised and honoured to receive the award for most outstanding contribution by an individual at the Australian Tourism Awards on Saturday night.The award recognises Stephen's enormous contribution to the development of the country's tourism industry over the past 35 years.
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A vibrant welcome of colourful Lion Dancers will greet passengers at Cairns Airport aboard the first in a series of 14 charter flights coming here from China during the 2010 Chinese New Year period. The three participating airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and China Southern, will bring well over 4,000 Chinese visitors into Cairns from 12 - 20 February.
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North Queensland Airports, the owners of Cairns and Mackay Airports, welcomes the announcement by Auckland International Airport Limited (Auckland Airport) that it has agreed to purchase of a 24.55% interest in North Queensland Airports (NQA).
NQA Chairman, Jason Zibarras, said his Board of Directors looks forward to working with Auckland Airport and forging a new alliance to promote Cairns and Mackay.
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) welcomes the announcement by Virgin Blue of their first international service into Cairns - a direct link from Auckland. The twice-weekly Tuesday and Saturday service will be operated by Virgin Blue’s New Zealand-based international airline, Pacific Blue, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Flights commence on 23 March 2010.
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) welcomes the announcement by Jetstar of 11new domestic services into Cairns from 28 March 2010.
The additional services include two extra Perth- Cairns and Adelaide-Cairns services per week and an extra daily Sydney – Cairns service.
CAPL Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Gregg, said the announcement is great news for the region and especially for the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry as it comes to the end of one of its most challenging years.
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) is pleased to announce the signing of a long term strategic agreement with Jetstar Airlines. This agreement will form the basis of a significant partnership between Jetstar, CAPL and the North Queensland tourism industry. It is structured to incentivise international passenger growth prospects for the region, as well as recognising the changing aviation economic environments and the promise that a committed low cost carrier such as Jetstar can provide Tropical North Queensland.
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Cairns Airport welcomes the announcement by Jetstar of the launch of new services to Western Japan plus an extra daily Melbourne – Cairns service.
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Gregg, said the decision by Jetstar to re-establish the Cairns – Osaka service is an important decision for Tropical North Queensland tourism.
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The Cairns Airport International Terminal check-in area was a picture of pink on the evening of Friday 30 October as almost 500 women, all wearing something pink, gathered for a night of fun, fashion, friends and fundraising.
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Every day people at Cairns Airport benefit from the warm welcome and helpful information willingly provided by a group of volunteers known as the Tropical Ambassadors.
Easily recognised by their distinctive green uniforms, the Ambassadors have assisted thousands of people passing through Cairns Airport since the program was established in August 2007 as a joint initiative between Cairns Airport and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
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Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) has entered into a new Marketing Agreement with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ).
At its meeting in September the CAPL Board ratified the agreement which provides TTNQ with $3.95M funding over the next three years .
CAPL Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gregg said Cairns Airport’s strong and continued support of TTNQ underlined the importance of tourism to the economy of Cairns and the region.
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The completion of the new Common Use Check-In Area at Cairns Airport marks the second major milestone in the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment.
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The Board of Cairns Airport Pty Ltd and Mackay Airport Pty Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Gregg to the position of Chief Executive Officer for the group.
Chairman, Jason Zibarras, said Mr Gregg brings to this key role extensive experience gained through a very successful career spanning over 30 years and covering both the aviation and tourism sectors.
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The Federal Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon, has directed all international airports to install and commence operation of thermal imaging equipment.
This equipment was installed in Cairns Airport’s International Terminal on 30 April and is operated by the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS).
Queensland Health border nurses are in place at Cairns Airport to support AQIS in screening arriving international passengers.
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Cairns Airport advises construction of a roundabout is underway at the Airport Avenue intersection where drivers choose to go to either the Domestic or International Terminal.
This is not expected to cause delays - but if you are driving to the airport please take care, follow the signs, and be aware that traffic conditions will change as work proceeds on the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment.
Call 1800 177 748 for more information.
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As the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment at Cairns Airport progresses the public are advised that there is a change from today , 9 April 2009, to the road leading to the Domestic Terminal and the Public and Rental Car Parks.
Please drive at the 40kmh speed limit and watch for the signage which directs you to either the front of terminal road or the car parks.
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Cairns Airport welcomes the announcement by Jetstar that the airline intends to reintroduce a direct service between Cairns and Osaka.
Cairns Airport and Queensland Airports Limited have worked in partnership with Jetstar, which has, after revisiting the Cairns- Osaka route, made it clear today it is their intention to reintroduce it in December 2009 with a four times weekly A330 service.
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Cairns Airport, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, has announced that it is the first airport in Australia to fully operate all terminals with bar coded boarding passes (BCBP), a year ahead of the IATA industry deadline.
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Cairns Airport and Tourism Tropical North Queensland welcome the announcement of additional flights into Cairns from Guam by Continental Airlines. Cairns Airport and Tourism Tropical North Queensland also thank the Australian and Queensland Governments with whom we’ve worked closely to facilitate these extra services.
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Cairns Airport welcomes the announcement by Virgin Blue of a new daily service between Cairns and Townsville.
Executive General Manager, Kayleen Collins, said air links between the two North Queensland regional centres of Cairns and Townsville are vital.
"Townsville is the North Queensland centre for many government services while Cairns is an attractive nearby holiday destination for people from the Townsville region. There is also a significant amount of business travel between the two cities.
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Cairns Airport is pleased to welcome two new Jetstar services into Cairns this week.
The first Jetstar flight direct from the Gold Coast to Cairns arrives today This service will operate three times per week from now on, using A320 aircraft.
Cairns Airport Executive General Manager, Kayleen Collins, said the Gold Coast service further consolidates Jetstar as a key partner of the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry.
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Cairns Airport has entered a new era today with the financial settlement of the sale of the airport by the State Government.
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has been appointed to provide specialist airport services by the North Queensland Airports consortium (the Consortium) which comprises IIF Cairns Mackay Investment Ltd (an entity advised by JP Morgan Asset Management) the Private Capital Group's The Infrastructure Fund (TIF) managed by Hastings and the WEstpac Banking Corporation.
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Cairns Airport and Tourism Tropical North Queensland welcome the series of charter flights arriving into Cairns from China over the 2009 Chinese New Year period.
In a fortunate synergy, Chinese New Year 2009 falls on Australia Day. It will be a great start to the year of the Ox for the tourism businesses in Tropical North Queensland. 14 charter flights are bringing almost 4000 Chinese holiday-makers to Cairns airport from mid January to early February. Thousands more will travel to Cairns via Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
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Premier Anna Bligh said today the $446 million redeveloped hospital for Cairns is full steam ahead following the successful sale of Cairns Airport.
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Cairns Airport is pleased to announce the opening of the First Stage of the $200M Domestic Terminal Redevelopment.
This major milestone brings online the first section of what will ultimately be a combined check-in area for all departing domestic flights.
Qantas, QantasLink, Skytrans and SkyAirWorld now check-in from the newly completed section at the southern (city) end of the terminal.
Virgin Blue, Jetstar, MacAir and Regional Pacific continue to check-in in their existing facilities at the northern end of the terminal.
26 November 2008
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Cairns Airport congratulates the Australian Customs Service on the roll out of the SmartGate public information campaign. "Cairns was one of three initial sites chosen by Customs to pilot SmartGate ahead of the national roll out, along with Melbourne and Brisbane."
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The commencement this week of new services between Cairns and Mt Isa by Regional Pacific Airlines is welcomed by Cairns Port Authority.
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Qantas announced today it would cease its trial of flying over the city of Cairns on Monday 10 September.
Qantas Chief Risk Officer Rob Kella said competing environmental issues were behind the airlines decision to stop the trial. "After regular consultation with the Cairns Airport Environmental Committee, we decided that although the RNP tecnology used for this trail reduces carbon diaxide and nitrous oxide emissions, the beneifts do not outweigh the significant noise impact on residents," Mr Kella said.
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Civil works will commence at Cairns International Airport as part of the Domestic Terminal Redevelopment next week.
As a result, increased construction traffic will be crossing Mick Borzi Drive and Airport Avenue and new speed restrictions will apply along the roads to the airport.
Cairns International Airport Executive General Manager, Kayleen Collins, said it is pleasing to see physical construction works commence, following the extensive planning and design efforts of the airport redevelopment project team.
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As operator of Cairns International Airport, Cairns Port Authority will be implementing new procedures for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on international flights to meet new government regulations.
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The commencement today of Virgin's new Embraer E-Jet aircraft into passenger passengers services to Cairns was welcomed by Cairns Port Authority.
CPA's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Quinn said 'Virgin Blue Airlines is well established in its operations into Cairns and their decision to introduce their first Embraer aircraft on services to the destination confirms that the region's competitiveness is maintained'.
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Cairns Airport is currently undertaking a Cyclone Area Reliability Enhancement (CARE) Program within the General Aviation (GA) precinct of the Airport.
The Care Program is a result of a Strategic Planning Study which identified the requirement to place the existing overhead electrical reticulation and distribution system underground as part of an ongoing upgrade to provide cyclone protection.
The study also identified future precinct development sites as well as future service requirements, including an upgrade of the current street lighting.
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CPA Chief Executive Officer Neil Quinn will today release exclusive new 3D artist impressions of the $200 million Domestic Terminal Redevelopment's interior, as well as a full external fly-through of the demestic airport facility.
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Visitors arriving at Cairns International Airport will be welcomed by friendly faces and helpful information as a new Tropical Ambassadors program gets underway.
Volunteers and a supervisor will soon be recruited to provide this free services.
TTNQ is pleased to be working with CPA on this initiative.
TTNQ chief executive officer, Rob Giason, said the Tropical Ambassadors will play an important role in creating a good first impression for visitors to Tropical North Queensland.
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The redevelopment of the Cairns Airport Domestic Terminal will start next week following the announcement by Deputy Premier Anna Bligh that national construction company Hansen Yuncken has been awarded the principal construction contract.
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Cairns Port Authority’s capital works program is underway to deliver new and enhanced facilities at the airport.
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