Cairns Airport strives to balance sustainable aviation practices with the interests of our community. We recognise that the operation of planes, helicopters and ground servicing equipment can impact residents living or working close to airports and under flight paths.

Our team aims to continuously develop and improve aircraft noise initiatives that respect our local community while ensuring the highest level of safety for every airport user.

Aircraft Movements at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport is positioned at the gateway to Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands, and we provide critical air links to some of Australia’s most remote communities. Many aircraft movements, particularly within our General Aviation precinct, support life-saving emergency services, defence activity, and essential freight and passenger services.

As a major regional and international airport, we also play a key role in supporting the tourism sector, which generates 1 in 6 local jobs. Cairns is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests - sit side by side. Cairns Airport is proud to serve as the gateway to these globally significant destinations.

Understanding Aircraft Noise

Noise types typically associated with flight movements or airport operations include:

  • Take-off and climb noise (most noticeable near the airport and under departure flight paths).
  • Approach and landing noise (most noticeable near runway ends and along arrival paths)
  • Ground operations noise (generally associated with engine run-ups/testing or support equipment such as fuel trucks and tugs)
  • Pilot circuit training

Who manages aircraft noise?

  • Airservices Australia is responsible for monitoring and managing noise related to airborne operations such as take-off, climb, cruise, descent and landing.
  • Cairns Airport oversees ground-based noise impacts within its operational areas, including those from engine run-ups or servicing on the apron, and otherwise works with tenants to ensure noise is managed responsibly.

While we do not control aircraft operations in the air, we actively engage with stakeholders and the community to encourage noise-conscious practices and support efforts to minimise impacts.

How Cairns Airport approaches noise management

We take aircraft noise seriously and have implemented a range of measures to mitigate impacts on the community. These include:

  • Ground Running Procedures and Guidelines
    • Engine run-ups are only permitted between 6am – 11pm, unless exceptional circumstance apply.
    • After-hours testing must have prior approval from the Aerodrome Operations Manager.
    • Airport Safety Officers have oversight of engine runs to ensure procedures and noise limits are followed.
    • Where possible, engine run-ups are moved to areas further from residential zones.

  • Ongoing Collaboration (CACG)
    • The Cairns Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG) meets quarterly to foster meaningful dialogue between:
      • Cairns Airport
      • Airservices Australia
      • Airline representatives
      • Local community and government representatives
      • Industry stakeholders
      • The CACG is the primary mechanism for community engagement on operational and environmental matters, including aircraft noise.
      • If you wish to raise an issue for discussion at a future CACG meeting, please contact your local community representative or email: enquiries@cairnsairport.com.au

  • Ongoing Collaboration (Regulators and Stakeholders)
    • Cairns Airport engages with local council and planning authorities to ensure future development and leases consider potential noise impacts.
    • We work with airport tenants, airlines and operators to manage operations in a noise-conscious way.
    • It is Australian Government policy that Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) contours and associated land use compatibility advice be used as planning criteria around Australian airports.
    • The ANEF system has been used in the development of the Cairns Regional Council’s Town Planning Scheme.
    • Further information on the ANEF is available from The Department of Infrastructure

  • Complaint Response
    • Cairns Airport investigates noise complaints related to ground running within its operational areas and works with tenants and operators to address concerns where appropriate. Residents can contact enquiries@cairnsairport.com.au.
    • Complaints relating to aircraft noise, other than noise generated by ground running, can be made directly to Airservices Australia’s Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) via their 24 hour/7 day per week online complaints form.

  • Other Guiding Frameworks
    • Noise Abatement Procedures
    • Aircraft Noise Exposure Patterns
    • Operational Procedures and Guidelines
    • Helicopter Fly Neighbourly Procedure

Why do engine run-ups sometimes need to occur at night?

Engine run-ups are a crucial part of aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. While they are normally scheduled during the day, nighttime testing may be necessary due to:

  • Aircraft maintenance schedules (testing must be done after maintenance, before returning to service). This may need to occur after the aircraft’s final flight of the day.
  • Tight turnaround times (delaying a test may affect early departures or next-day flights).
  • Unplanned mechanical issues (faults found late in the day may need immediate verification).

Planning for a Quieter Future

Cairns Airport is actively supporting the transition to quieter, next-generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 737 MAX. Compared to older models, these modern aircraft offer:

  • Up to 50 per cent lower noise footprints
  • Ultra-efficient, low-noise engines
  • Aerodynamically optimised airframes
  • Smart operational procedures that help avoid noise-sensitive areas

We are working closely with our airline partners to support the introduction of these aircraft types to our region.

Fact Sheets and Resources

Airservices Australia provides a collection of detailed Fact Sheets to help the public better understand the causes and impacts of aircraft noise.

The Australian Airports Association, in partnership with Airservices Australia, also provides aircraftnoise.com.au, a comprehensive resource offering:

  • Clear explanations of why aircraft noise occurs
  • Insights into what the aviation industry is doing to manage it
  • Practical advice on what individuals and communities can do to minimise its impact

Cairns Airport is committed to:

  • Maintaining respectful, transparent engagement with the community
  • Listening to concerns and implementing practical improvements
  • Including noise considerations in planning and development decisions
  • Collaborating across the industry to achieve shared environmental goals

As we grow, we will continue working with our stakeholders and neighbours to balance connectivity and community wellbeing.