Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a true tropical gateway to Australia, situated in a picturesque location between forested mountains and the Coral Sea. Even during descent, passengers are treated to breathtaking views, reminding them of the proximity to two natural wonders of the world — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The atmosphere in the terminals is relaxed and resort-like: here, it is easy to feel the spirit of adventure immediately after landing, even before collecting your luggage.

The airport complex possesses several features that make it convenient and pleasant for travellers:

Ideal Location. The airport is located just 7 km from the Central Business District (CBD), allowing you to reach hotels and the Esplanade waterfront in literally 10–15 minutes by taxi or transfer. Such proximity is rare for major international hubs and significantly saves time for tourists.

Two Terminals. The complex is divided into two buildings: T1 (International) and T2 (Domestic). They are located within walking distance of each other and are connected by a covered walkway. The walk between terminals takes about 5 minutes, following a special "blue line" on the pavement, making transfers simple and straightforward.

Tropical Comfort. The airport interiors are designed using light tones and greenery, maintaining the sensation of endless summer. Passengers have access to numerous cafes serving local cuisine, shops with Australian souvenirs (from opals to Akubra hats), and free Wi-Fi to immediately share their first impressions of Queensland.

If you need to contact representatives of Cairns Airport, please use the following contact information. Airport staff are ready to assist with resolving any issues, from flight information to lost luggage.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport news, visit www.cairnsairport.com.au.
• General Enquiries Phone: For general questions, you can call +61 7 4080 6703.
• Airport Address: Airport Avenue, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website to reach the relevant department.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Property Information: If you left items in the airport terminal, fill out the lost property form on the website or call the terminal operations department at +61 7 4080 6705. If items were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions, you can approach the information desks located in the terminals or call the general enquiries phone number.

Getting to Cairns Airport (CNS), located just 7 kilometres north of the business centre of Cairns, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. This airport is a key transport hub for tourists exploring the beauties of North Queensland in Australia.

The most economical option is public transport. Airport Connect buses, in conjunction with Translink, offer routes linking the airport with the city centre and the Cairns Central Shopping Centre bus station. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers with light luggage.

A more comfortable method is to use shuttle bus services. Many private companies offer transfers from hotels and other city points directly to the airport terminals. This is a good compromise between the cost of a taxi and convenience. The travel time is comparable to a bus, but the shuttle will deliver you "door to door". It is recommended to book a seat in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Taxis and ridesharing services (such as Uber) are the fastest and most direct route to the airport. A trip from the centre of Cairns will take just 10-15 minutes, making this option ideal if you are in a hurry, travelling with family, or have a large number of suitcases. The cost will be higher than other modes of transport, but in return, you receive maximum convenience and speed.

If you have been travelling around the region in a rental car, you can return it at the airport without issues — there are offices of all major rental agencies here. For those arriving in their own vehicle, Cairns Airport provides various parking options: from short-term for meet-and-greets to long-term for those flying away for several days. To get a more favourable rate for long-term parking, it is better to book a spot online in advance.

Cairns Airport (CNS) has a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. It consists of two terminals located in separate but adjacent buildings: Terminal 1 (T1) for international flights and Terminal 2 (T2) for domestic flights within Australia.

Navigation within the airport is intuitively clear. Both terminals are within walking distance of each other. A covered pedestrian walkway connects them, and the walk takes just 5–7 minutes. This is particularly convenient for travellers transferring from an international flight to a domestic one or vice versa. There are clear signs everywhere, so it is practically impossible to get lost.

Terminal 1 (International) serves flights outside of Australia. The check-in and departure zone is located on the first floor (Level 2), while the arrivals hall is on the ground floor (Level 1). Despite its modest size compared to major global hubs, it has everything necessary: Duty-Free shops, cafes, currency exchange points, and car rental desks. The atmosphere here is usually calm, without unnecessary bustle.

Terminal 2 (Domestic) recently underwent a large-scale modernisation and now offers passengers a contemporary and comfortable space. It serves flights for airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, connecting Cairns with major cities across the country. The check-in zone is on the ground floor, after which passengers proceed to the first floor for security screening and enter a spacious departure zone with a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The arrivals hall and baggage claim are also located on the ground floor.

The time required for formalities at Cairns Airport is usually short. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1–1.5 hours before. Queues are possible during the peak tourist season, but generally, check-in and security processes move quite swiftly. The main tip for navigation is to determine in advance which terminal your flight departs from (T1 for international, T2 for domestic) and follow the signs. The compactness of the airport makes it one of the most convenient in the country.

The history of Cairns Airport is a fascinating journey from a modest airstrip to an important international transport hub. The first steps in aviation were taken here back in 1928, when the first landing ground was cleared. The site officially became a licensed aerodrome in 1936, laying the foundation for future development.

A key moment in the airport's history was the Second World War. During this period, it was significantly expanded and used as a strategic base for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Military engineers built three runways, hangars, and other infrastructure, which served as the foundation for civil aviation after the war. Following the end of the conflict, management passed to the Department of Civil Aviation, and the airport began servicing commercial flights.

A real breakthrough occurred in the second half of the 20th century with the growth of tourist interest in the Great Barrier Reef. Understanding the region's potential, authorities decided to build an international terminal. Its opening in 1984 was a pivotal event, allowing direct flights from Asia, New Zealand, and North America. This transformed Cairns from a regional town into an internationally recognised tourism centre.

In the 21st century, the airport continued to actively modernise to meet growing passenger traffic. In 2010, a major reconstruction of the domestic terminal (T2) was completed, and in 2020, it was expanded and updated again. These projects significantly improved the quality of passenger service, increased capacity, and made staying at the airport more comfortable. Today, Cairns Airport is one of the busiest in Australia, playing a vital role in the economy and tourism of all North Queensland.

Cairns Airport (CNS) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Whether you are flying domestically or internationally, you will find everything needed for a pleasant experience here.

For those wishing to have a snack or go shopping, the terminals feature a good selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants, where you can try both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. In the international departure zone, Duty Free shops operate, offering perfumes, beverages, souvenirs, and Australian delicacies. There are also shops with travel goods, newspapers, and books.

Passengers preferring extra comfort can use premium lounges. Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia have their own lounges for privileged clients. For all other travellers, the paid Reef Lounge is available in the international terminal (T1), where you can relax in silence and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations and power outlets are provided in waiting areas for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be resolved using ATMs and currency exchange points located in both terminals.

For travellers with children, parents' rooms with changing tables are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including accessible environments, special restrooms, and support during boarding. Information regarding medical services and first aid can be obtained at the information desks.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal buildings, many accommodation options are located a few minutes' drive from the airport — from budget motels to comfortable hotels, easily accessible by shuttle or taxi. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are available in some nearby hotels.

At Cairns Airport, travellers will find a decent selection of cafes and restaurants to spend time comfortably before a flight. The establishments here largely reflect the relaxed atmosphere of tropical Queensland, offering options for every taste and budget — from quick coffee to a hearty lunch.

The majority of establishments are concentrated in Terminal 2 (T2), which serves domestic flights within Australia. Here you will find popular chain coffee shops, juice bars, and venues where you can order a full hot meal with a refreshing beverage. In Terminal 1 (T1), intended for international departures, the selection is somewhat more modest but sufficient for a comfortable wait: there are cafes for light snacks and shops with drinks and sandwiches.

What is worth trying? While waiting for your flight, do not miss the chance to experience the region's gastronomy. Pay attention to fresh juices made from exotic fruits — mango, passion fruit, or papaya. Many coffee shops take pride in using beans grown on the nearby Atherton Tablelands. If time permits, order a dish made from local seafood, for example, the famous Australian Barramundi.

Most cafes offer options for various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes — these are usually marked on the menu. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city and are at an average level for Australian airports. A cup of coffee will cost around 5–6 AUD, and the cost of a main course in a restaurant starts from 20–25 AUD.

You can have a snack both in the general area before security control (landside) and in the departure zone (airside). This is convenient if you have arrived early or are seeing off friends. The opening hours of cafes and dining venues depend directly on the flight schedule: they open early in the morning for the first departures and close after the last aircraft has departed.

Our recommendations:

• For a quick snack and energising coffee, chain coffee shops located in both terminals are ideal.
• If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the restaurants in the departure zone of Terminal 2. There you can sit calmly and relax before your flight.

Travelling through Cairns Airport can be easy and pleasant if you know a few key points. This regional hub serves both domestic and international flights, opening access to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of Queensland. Here are a few tips to help you save time, money, and stress.

Arrival and Check-in: For domestic flights within Australia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours before. The airport in Cairns is not as large as those in Sydney or Melbourne, but queues can occur during peak seasons. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and print or save your boarding pass to your phone in advance. This will allow you to head straight to the Bag Drop counter or security screening if you are travelling with hand luggage only.

Security Control and Hand Luggage: When departing on international flights from Australia, restrictions apply to carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels (no more than 100 ml per container, all in a transparent bag) and powder substances (e.g., baby food, cosmetics). Inorganic powders (e.g., talc, salt) are restricted to a volume of 350 ml (350 g). Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag for scanning in advance.

Customs Control (for arrivals): Australia is famous for its strictest biosecurity rules. You are obliged to declare any food products (even packaged snacks from the plane), plant materials (wood, seeds), and animal products. If you are unsure whether to declare something — definitely declare it. Fines for undeclared prohibited items are very high. It is easier to spend a couple of minutes speaking with an officer than to pay a large fine.

Tips for Transit Passengers and Saving Money: If you have a transfer in Cairns, check whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage, especially when changing from an international flight to a domestic one. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Also, consider booking parking or transfers in advance, as this is often cheaper than paying on the spot.

If the Flight is Delayed: In case of a delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately. Find out about your rights regarding the provision of meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation (in case of a long delay). The airport has Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the waiting time. Keep important documents and necessary items (chargers, medication) in your hand luggage in case of unforeseen situations.