Aviation Security is governed by the Aviation Transport Security Act, 2004 and Aviation Transport Security Regulations, 2005 (Federal Legislation) and by the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (State Legislation).
These requirements are reflected in the Transport Security Program for Cairns Airport. The following general provisions apply to contractors and businesses operating on Cairns Airport.
Every person including a driver who, because of a work related requirement, needs to access restricted areas of the International Terminal Building or Airside Area is required to display a RED or GREY ASIC issued in their name on their outer garment. A RED ASIC authorises a person to be in a Security Restricted Area or other restricted area, while a GREY ASIC authorises a person to be in a restricted area or airside area other than a Security Restricted Area. Security Restricted Areas at Cairns Airport are confined to the international and domestic aprons. Other security controlled areas known as ‘Landside Security Zones’ requiring an ASIC include the following:
ASICs are available on application from Cairns Airport.
Visitors to restricted areas of the airport must wear a Visitor Identification Card (VIC) and be accompanied by a person wearing a valid ASIC. VICs are available from the Airport Operations Centre (AOC) Cairns Airport and some other agencies at the airport who are ‘Issuing Agents’ under the Cairns Airport ASIC Program.
VIC’s are only available for those who have a lawful and work related reason for requiring one. VIC’s may be issued for one day by Cairns Airport and Issuing Agents, or multi day VIC may be obtained from Cairns Airport. Photographic ID, for example a driving licence, must be produced to confirm identity in order to obtain a VIC. VIC’s must be returned to Cairns Airport or the ‘Issuing Agent’ on the day of expiry. Failure to return a VIC is in breach of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and may incur a penalty or refusal of a future VIC if requested.
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd (CAPL) has a mandatory requirement for the wearing of High Visibility Clothing/Vests on the airside of the airport and in hazardous working situations in public areas. Click here to view the Cairns Airport Hi-Viz Vests Policy.
Each vehicle requiring airside access must have approval from Cairns Airport and must display a clearly identifiable company sign or logo on each side of the vehicle. Drivers must have an airside drivers authority issued by the Cairns Airport and be familiar with the contents of the Airside Vehicle Control Manual. Airside access must be facilitated via Gate V23 on the eastern (RPT) side of the airport or Gate V13 in the General Aviation Area. Access though any other gate (except gates located within tenanted operations) must be with the approval of Cairns Airport.
Cairns Airport has a Wearing of Seat Belts Policy which applies to all drivers and passengers of vehicles while airside who are not covered by the exemptions provided within the guidelines.
Every person approved by Cairns Airport to access restricted areas of the International Terminal Building or Security Restricted Areas must ensure each door or gate accessed by them is closed and locked once entry is effected. When accessing vehicle gates, drivers must stop and wait for the gate to close before moving off to prevent unauthorised access. Access to an airside area or Security Restricted Area of the airport may be gained through vehicle gates and fence line buildings such as terminal buildings, hangars and cargo sheds. It is the responsibility of the Lessee/Tenant to ensure that gate and building access points within their leased area or within the area for which they are responsible are controlled or kept closed and locked when not in use. Where access points to an airside area are controlled by security staff, persons (including goods and vehicles) may be subjected to a physical search and/or inspection before being allowed access. Refusal to consent to this form of inspection will result in access being denied.
The Office of Transport Security (OTS) require airport operators and certain other Aviation Industry Participants (AIP’s) to have in place an inspection process of persons and their vehicles seeking access to the Airports Security Restricted Area (at Cairns these are the international and domestic aprons). This process is to ensure only those people with a lawful and work related reason access the area. The inspection process includes a face to ASIC or face to other photographic ID and VIC check and goods carried by them and may includes a check of certain vehicles and items carried in them. Inspection points are located within the terminals and Gate V23. There are no exemptions to this requirement.
Before entering an area signposted as a sterile area, (terminal departure lounges) every person must be screened for weapons. Goods carried by persons entering a sterile area must be x-rayed or searched. Random selection for explosive trace detection (ETD) screening may be undertaken by screening staff. Additionally, access into the international sterile area is subject to screening for Liquids, Aerosols and Gel (LAG) products which may include a pat down search. Entrance to a sterile area can only be via the screening point. If the screening point is not operating separate approval must be sought from Cairns Airport on each occasion entry to a sterile area is required. Persons working airside must not mix with screened passengers in the aerobridges or on walkways.
Firearms or weapons of any description are not to be taken onto airside areas or into sterile areas. Tradesmen’s tools requiring an explosive charge as a part of their operation must be declared before commencement of any work and prior to the screening process.
Tools of trade required for work within the sterile areas are to be checked and registered during the screening process by screening staff. Retail outlets must ensure tools of trade are secured and out of sight from passengers or other persons using the lounge. Tradesmen are advised to take only those tools required for the job into the sterile areas to assist in a speedy screening process. Tradesmen are responsible for all tools in their possession and are to ensure tools are kept secure and out of reach of passengers or other persons using the lounge. Any tool found missing MUST be reported to screening staff as soon as possible. Failure to do this may require the lounge to be evacuated and all persons rescreened. This is a costly exercise and may result in delays to aircraft departures.
Under no circumstances may items such as toolboxes, luggage, lunchboxes or similar items be left unattended in any public or airside area. Items secured in vehicles are excepted. Any unattended items of this nature are to be reported immediately to the Airport Coordination Centre on telephone 07 4080 6744 or by calling the Australian Federal Police on 131AFP. Alternatively report it to any security staff member on duty at the airport.
Parking restrictions apply at Cairns Airport. Drivers are encouraged to use public car-parks wherever possible. However, if purely dropping off or picking up a passenger drivers may choose to use the drop off and collection points signposted around the terminals. Vehicles are not to be left unattended within these areas and security staff engaged in parking control manage these area. Attended vehicles may only remain within the drop off areas for two minutes. Vehicles left unattended are subject to towing and drivers may be fined. Disabled parking is available at the terminals and bays are signposted. Cairns Airport staff are available to assist with further information
Objects of any description may not be placed closer than three (3) metres to a perimeter fence from any landside area or closer than two (2) metres to a perimeter fence from any airside area.
All vehicles in an airside area are liable to search at any time without notice by an Authorised Officer.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) maintain an armed uniformed presence at the airport 24 hours a day and may be contacted for assistance and response for any matters in a similar manner to normal State police . AFP may be contaced on 131AFP or 07 4040 1777.
The Australian Customs Service have an overriding authority under the Customs Act to detain, search or arrest any person reasonably suspected of carrying prohibited goods or committing any offence against the Customs Act irrespective of that person holding an ASIC or being approved by the Cairns Airport to work on the airport.
Directions issued by Cairns Airport Authorised Officers are to be complied with immediately. Airport Safety Officers, Customer Service Officers and senior Cairns Airport staff are Authorised Officers and are so identified on their ASIC.
Directions issued by Queensland Police officers or members of the Australian Federal Police are to be complied with immediately.
All security related enquiries are to be directed to Cairns Airport Security Team on 07 4080 6703 or after hours from the Airport Coordination Centre on 07 4080 6744.
To access the Cairns Airport Cyclone Plan please click here
With a little preparation, there's a lot you can do to make sure your journey through the airport security processes is as quick and hassle-free as possible. This guide will assist in preparing for your journey, a few minutes spent reading this will save you time once you reach the airport. Here are a few things for you to consider:
Quick Check
The more you know about our check-in and security processes, the easier it will be to pass through as fast and hassle free as possible.
Ensure you arrive in plenty of time, your airline may suggest extra time. The recommended minimum times are:
Domestic flights -1 hour before departure
International flights - 2hours before departure
Ensure you have all your correct travel documents ready, including the Passenger Declaration Departure Card available at check in or the Customs area.
For security reasons, drivers collecting or dropping off passengers at Cairns Airport are encouraged to use the public car parks. If purely dropping off or picking up a passenger please ensure you use the drop off and collection points signposted around the terminals. There are points specially for people with a disability. Vehicles are not to be left unattended within any of these areas and security staff engaged in parking control manage these area. Attended vehicles may only remain within the drop off areas for two minutes. Vehicles left unattended are subject to towing and drivers may be fined. Public car parking is also available including bays for people with a disability, which are signposted.
Cairns Airport staff are available to assist with further information.
Read all the available information provided to you by your airline. This information will advise you regarding the allowable size of your checked and cabin luggage, what’s allowed to be carried within your checked luggage regarding dangerous goods and other information that will make your departure a more pleasant experience. Cabin luggage size gauges are available within the check in areas at both Cairns Airport terminals.
During check in you’ll be asked questions about your baggage contents and at the International check in whether you packed your bags and had control of them. If in doubt now’s the time to advise the airline. Additionally you will be required to ensure any Liquid, Aerosol or Gel items carried by you are correctly separated. (see below).
If you’re departing from the International terminal for overseas ensure you have the appropriate travel documents ready for airline staff e.g. tickets, passport and visas. Once you have completed check-in we recommend you make your way directly to the Security Screening Point to avoid any delays.
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and outwards immigration procedures need to be undertaken if departing from the Cairns Airport International Terminal, this includes domestic passengers travelling to southern ports who are travelling on a domestic leg of an international flight. Customs and Border Protection processes and information are available on the Customs and Border Protection website.
Federal Government legislation requires Cairns Airport to screen passengers and people entering airport departure lounges. The security screening process is designed to ensure prohibited items and weapons don’t enter the lounges and ultimately end up within the cabin of an aircraft. The consequences of this occurring result in delayed departures and possible legal action. In today’s security environment there is a major concern for the safety of aircraft and travelling public.
The security screening process includes x-ray screening of personal cabin luggage, passing through a walk through metal detector, possible hand scanning with a metal detector if you’re not initially cleared by the walk through metal detector, random bag searches and an explosive trace detection process.
The explosive trace detection process is designed to check that a person being screened has not come in contact with explosives, or chemicals that are used in explosive compounds. This process is random, and those people selected for this screening MUST undergo this part of the screening requirement. Refusal to undergo any part of the screening process will unfortunately mean you won’t be able to enter the departure lounges and possibly not fly.
In addition to these processes passengers and people accessing Cairns Airport International Terminal departures lounge, whether transit passengers from overseas or departing passengers from Cairns are also subjected to screening for Liquids Aerosols and Gel (LAG) items. This process is designed to screen people and their cabin luggage for explosives that may be contained within liquid, aerosol and gel compounds. This part of the screening process may also include a random pat down search of the person.
Electrical items such as mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and laptop computers are allowed within the departure lounges and in the cabin of aircraft and should be packed within your cabin luggage. Personal electrical items e.g. hair dryers and tongs may also be carried, however tong replacement cartridges may not be carried.
Laptop Computers and Portable DVD players need to be removed from your cabin luggage or from their cases to be screened separately.
The screening for liquids, aerosols and gels (LAG’s) was introduced in March 2007 by the Australian Federal Government to comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation recommendations and standards in an effort to assist in minimising the likelihood of explosive materials contained within certain LAG items being taken into International departure lounges and aircraft cabins. Click here to view further information regarding Liquids Aerosols and Gels
Knowing what’s allowed and what’s not allowed before you arrive could save you, and other passengers, time and inconvenience. Any LAG item you wish to take into the lounge or within the cabin of an aircraft must be in an adequate container; however containers cannot be over 100ml. They also need to be carried in a transparent and re-sealable bag measuring no more than 200mm x 200mm or of a size not exceeding 800mm in total diameter. Bags and general information are available at the International Terminal check in area for your convenience. Passengers and people seeking access into the International Departure lounge are restricted to one bag only.
Surrendered items are subject to Federal Government Regulations. Cairns Ports, as the ‘Screening Authority’ are prohibited from returning items to passengers. Receipts for Duty Free and items of value will be provided.
You’re welcome to take drinks in cans, bottles, plastic containers and cartons, as long as the containers are 100mm in size or less. Empty water bottles may be taken through the security screening point and filled up at water fountains within the departure lounge. Once through the security screening point you can buy drinks in the departure area to take on to the aircraft.
You can carry foodstuffs in your cabin luggage; however, foods in sauces or with a high liquid content (such as sauces, pastes, soups and stews) need to go in a transparent bag, along with your drinks. These can’t exceed100ml either. Items that reduce to a liquid at room temperature are also subject to these restrictions for example certain cheeses or frozen foodstuffs. It is advisable to check with your airline on what they allow and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) regarding the removal of certain foodstuffs from Australia.
Prescribed medicines: There are exemptions for prescription medicines; however it is advisable to ensure they are in the original chemist supplied containers with the prescription attached. Whilst exemptions apply only the required amount for the flights duration and possible delays should be taken in the aircrafts cabin, screening staff may discuss this with you during the screening process.
Non – prescribed medicines: These are allowed but again the quantity must be consistent with the journey and what may be reasonably required during flight and a possible delay. Products required for the flight must be kept in a transparent, resealable bag. Certainly an amount to cover a week’s travel would not meet the ‘reasonable amounts’ test applied to this and what is not required during the flight should be packed in checked luggage.
Medical equipment; Certain medical applicators such as syringes, vials and medicine cartridges, insulin pens etc are allowed. However screening staff will require proof from you for instance, medical certificates, a doctor’s letter or prescriptions should you need to carry these items.
The restrictions on LAG items includes baby products, however this like un-prescribed medicines exemptions mainly apply to quantities. Only carry what you need for the trip. Wet wipes and powdered baby food are fine. Additional foodstuffs for babies may include but are not limited to baby milk, sterilised water, juice and any other baby food in liquid, gel or paste form.
These items may be purchased inside the departure lounge after the security screening process. Items purchased off airport must be packed in your checked luggage.
You may take solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes on
board. The following products are limited to 100ml, and must also go in a transparent bag, along with drinks and liquid-based products:
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are all allowed in hand baggage. Please note some airlines do not allow matches or lighters in either checked or cabin luggage, please check with your carrier. Australian Government regulations prohibit smoking inside the terminal buildings (other than prescribed areas) and on board aircraft.
If you are an arriving passengers to Cairns from overseas, you are advised to be aware of the following border processes:
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service manages the security and integrity of Australia's borders and works closely with other government agencies, in particular the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border.
In preparation for your arrival into Cairns please ensure you have your passport, completed Incoming Passenger Card and airline ticket available for inspection. If you are unsure what to declare to Customs and Border Protection, tick 'yes' to the question or ask a Customs and Border Protection officer. Customs and Border Protection staff will assist you in determining what goods should be declared.
A Guide For Travellers
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has a guide for international travellers to familiarise themselves with Australia's prohibited goods laws, the Tourism Refund Scheme (TRS) and personal duty-free concessions.
Visit Know Before You Go to view this guide in one of 14 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese).
Some Australian and New Zealand ePassport holders, aged 18 years or over, can choose to use SmartGate to self-process through passport control. SmartGate uses the data in the ePassport and face recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks that are usually conducted by a Customs and Border Protection officer. Travellers will still need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card prior to using SmartGate. For more information on SmartGate please visit www.australia.gov.au/smartgate
Click here to link to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website
Airports Program officers are trained to apply risk management techniques to identify and appropriately deal with items carried by incoming passengers that could threaten animal, plant or human health, or harm Australia's environment. Basically they ensure the effectiveness of quarantine clearance of incoming aircraft passengers and their baggage at international airports.
Other key functions undertaken by Airports staff include: clearing incoming aircraft; monitoring for insect vectors of human disease; managing under the direction of the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) the arrival of passengers with symptoms of quarantineable and prescribed human diseases; and conducting auditing and surveillance of quarantine waste treatment and disposal arrangements.
These responsibilities are prescribed in legislation, including the Quarantine Act 1908, relevant regulations and proclamations, as well as various international agreements/conventions.
All passengers arriving into Australia from overseas are subject to AQIS processes which includes surrendering certain foodstuffs, x-raying of luggage and physical inspection of some natural items for example wooden artefacts carried in passenger’s luggage. For more information please visit the AQIS website.
Duty Free Shopping is located on the arrivals concourse just prior to the Customs and Border Protection processing line for your duty free shopping needs.
Australian government regulations require airlines to disembark all passengers and their cabin luggage at the first port of call into Australia. If you are transiting Cairns from overseas you will be required to undergo the regular passenger screening process prior to entering the transit lounge. This process is similar to that experienced at your port of departure. Passenger screening into the transit lounge includes screening for Liquids Aerosols and Gel (LAG) items. Duty Free or other LAG items purchased at the last port of call prior to entering Cairns as a transit port will be required to be surrendered if they are larger than the prescribed 100ml limit or are not in a clear re-sealable plastic bag measuring 200mm X 200mm.
NOTE: At this time Australia does not recognise the use of sealed tamper evident bags provided for duty free items at overseas ports. It is advisable you check with your airline to see whether your flight transits Cairns en route to either Brisbane, Sydney or other Australian port.
If you are transiting Cairns from another major airport in Australia for an overseas destination and you have already undergone the regular passenger screening process you will not be required to undergo additional screening in Cairns.
Please print and complete the relevant forms below to bring with you to your application interview.
Note – In order to ensure your application is processed quickly it is important that you fully complete address details.
Telephone 07 4080 6703 or Email ASICS [at] cairnsairports [dot] com [dot] au for an appointment to lodge your application.
You will need to come into the Security Office personally, bringing your completed application forms, ID and lodgement fee. Be prepared to have your photo taken for your ID card.
Please check with your employer regarding payment. Lodgement fee (including deposit) must be paid at initial appointment if your company does not already have an account with Cairns Airport.
Cairns Airport Security Office is located at Cairns Airport Operations Centre and is open for ASIC lodgements from 08.30 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday (closed between 1.00 and 2.00 pm).
Your application may take up to 4-6 weeks. AusCheck will contact you directly if there are any specific security queries, otherwise you will be contacted by the Cairns Airport Security Office directly to collect your ASIC.
It is a legislative requirement that BEFORE you collect your ASIC you MUST complete an airport security awareness training session. When you lodge your application you can arrange to make an appointment to attend a security awareness training session briefing at the Airport Operations Centre.
You MUST collect your ASIC personally and present your ID before your ASIC card can be issued.
If you currently hold an ASIC issued by Cairns Airport and wish to renew, you can do so below, otherwise you will be required to apply for a new ASIC.
Your application may take up to 4-6 weeks. Auscheck will contact you directly if there are any specific security queries, otherwise you will be contacted by the Cairns Airport Security Office directly to collect your ASIC.
You MUST collect your ASIC personally and present your ID before your ASIC card can be issued.
New card - $185 + $50 security deposit
Renewals - $185
Transfers of applications between employers - $86
Reprints - $25
Applying access or issuing a separate Access Card - $25 [for people who do not have a Cairns Airport Issued ASIC]. You must hold a valid ASIC from another issuing body such as CASA.
Security Deposit - $50
Cancelled Application - $86
Click here for more Health & Safety information.
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 99 Drug and Alcohol Management Plans and Testing came into effect from 23 March 2009.
This legislation applies to all those deemed to undertake regular Safety Sensitive Aviation Activities (SSAA) and/or required to work airside at Cairns Airport.
The prime requirement of CASR Part 99 is for organisations to either have and comply with their own Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) or elect to be compliant with another organisation’s DAMP due to contractual arrangements.
A key component of this legislation is the requirement for pre-deployment/employment testing for alcohol and other drugs.
Pre-deployment/employment testing for alcohol and other drugs is a requirement for those undertaking a role as a regular SSAA employee under CASR Part 99 99.010 and/or are required to undertake airside work at Cairns Airport.
(Regular SSAA employee means a SSAA employee who is reasonably likely to perform an applicable SSAA at least 2 or more times every 90 days.)
Alcohol and other drug pre-deployment/employment testing must be undertaken less than 90 days prior to becoming a regular SSAA employee and the test result must be negative.
The Australian Federal Police is the primary law-enforcement agency at eleven major Australian airports including Cairns Airport.
Law-enforcement in Australia’s aviation environment includes deterring, preventing and responding to threats of terror, the investigation of serious and organised crime in the aviation sector and performing a community policing role.
Click here for Emergency Contacts and general information on the Australian Federal Police.