Direct flights from major visitor markets have ferried thousands of athletes and spectators to Tropical North Queensland this week ahead of the highly anticipated IRONMAN Cairns event.
More than 2,800 athletes representing 62 different countries are registered to take part in Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns on Sunday. Japan is the second largest competitor group after Australia, followed by New Zealand in third. Numbers from both Singapore and the United States have increased since last year.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the figures demonstrated the powerful effect of hosting world-class events in Cairns, coupled with a strong aviation network.
“We are proud to be the long running naming-rights sponsor of IRONMAN Cairns. Each year, this exceptional event showcases our region to the globe, injects millions of dollars into the economy and provides a fantastic and inspiring spectacle for our community,” he said.
“Cairns Airport has welcomed a number of new, direct airline routes in recent months, providing easier access from major visitor markets. Athletes have voted Cairns as their favourite IRONMAN course in the world; it’s called the ‘Race in Paradise’ for a good reason. They share their experiences when they go home, and our whole region benefits from that invaluable word-of-mouth promotion.”
The 2025 Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns is expected to inject an estimated $15 million into the economy.
Airlines have engaged additional staff and scheduled larger aircraft to accommodate the influx of passengers and bikes travelling for the event. Jetstar’s local operations and customer teams will handle more than 620 oversize items, arriving across 57 flights.
A Jetstar pilot triathlon team will also line up to compete on Sunday, headed by Jetstar Chief Pilot Tyrone Simes with pilots Will Long and Michael Paris.
"At Jetstar, we thrive on adventure, and IRONMAN Cairns perfectly embodies that spirit,” Captain Simes said.
“We’re excited to play our part in bringing competitors from around the world to the start line - it’s no small feat, but just like the athletes, we’re ready to go the distance. The IRONMAN event is huge for Jetstar, and we’ve implemented procedures across the business to support the increased number of passengers coming into Cairns, ensuring every athlete, along with their bike and equipment, arrives safely."
Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns will take place on Sunday 15 June. Some temporary road closures or changed conditions will be in effect between Cairns and Port Douglas. Visit www.ironman.com/races/im-cairns for more information.
By the Numbers - Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns and IRONMAN 70.3 Cairns
- 2800+ competitors
- 62 countries represented
- Attracts more than 6,500 visitors to the region
- Estimated $15 million+ economic injection
- Jetstar will handle more than 620 oversize items arriving in Cairns across 57 flights
- Jetstar’s expected bike numbers:
- 130 Japan
- 130 Melbourne
- 90 Sydney
- 80 Brisbane
- 58 Adelaide
- 45 Gold Coast
- 40 Perth
- 30 Maroochydore
- 13 Indonesia
- 6 New Zealand