All operational procedures at Cairns Airport adhere to a strict workplace health and safety framework. Information on how the airport is operated is contained here, including the procedures implemented by Cairns Airport regarding safety, hazard prevention and day-to-day operations.

Location

The airport is located at latitude 16° 53' 15"south and longitude of 145° 45' 13"east. It is situated on 700 hectares immediately south of the Barron River and east of the Captain Cook Highway, approximately 8km north of the Cairns central business district.

Runways

There are two runways at Cairns Airport; the main runway (15/33) being 3,197m in length with a high strength asphalt pavement. It has a width of 45m, the central 30m is grooved, with sealed shoulders of an additional 7.5m. The secondary runway (12/30) is 925m in length and 18 m wide and is limited to aircraft up to 5,700kg.

Apron Parking

The international apron can accommodate six 747 type aircraft simultaneously. Bays two to six are equipped with aerobridges.

The domestic apron is designed for 11 jet aircraft parking positions, with 3 aero bridges, each capable of handling a 747.

The general aviation apron can accommodate up to 100 general aviation aircraft, including some additional areas of high strength pavement.

Terminals

There is a domestic and international passenger terminal. On the western side of the airport at the General Aviation Terminal there are a number of private aviation facilities, Cairns General Aviation Flight Centre and Cairns Airport common user General Aviation terminal.

Hours of Operation

24 hours

Air Services Australia

Provides air traffic control and airport rescue firefighting services.

Precision approach category 1ILS to Runway 15 and DME localise letdown to Runway 33.

Security

Cairns Airport is a Category 2 airport with the Australian Protective Services providing uniformed security. Cairns Airport provides passenger screening and international check bag screening for all scheduled domestic and international operations.