Overview of Cairns International Airport
Cairns International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in Australia, serving as a gateway to Far North Queensland. It is located just 7 kilometers north of Cairns city center and handles over 5 million passengers annually.
The airport is the main hub for domestic and international travelers visiting Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Great Barrier Reef. It offers direct flights to major cities in Australia, as well as international destinations in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Cairns International Airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and the other for international flights. Both terminals offer a variety of services to passengers, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, and lounges.
The airport is well-connected to Cairns city center and surrounding areas by various modes of transportation, including buses, taxis, rental cars, and shuttles. The journey from the airport to Cairns city center takes only about 15 minutes by car.
Overall, Cairns International Airport is a modern and efficient airport that provides a comfortable and convenient travel experience for visitors to Far North Queensland. With its excellent connections to domestic and international destinations, it is the perfect starting point for any adventure in this beautiful region of Australia.
Terminals at Cairns International Airport
Cairns International Airport is a modern airport facility located in the city of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The airport features two main terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
Terminal 1 is a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle millions of passengers every year. It features spacious check-in areas, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and other amenities that cater to the needs of travellers. The terminal also has several boarding gates with bridges that provide easy access to aircraft.
Terminal 2, on the other hand, is a smaller facility that serves as the hub for domestic flights to and from Cairns. It features check-in counters, baggage handling facilities, and several departure gates. The terminal also has a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants that offer a variety of food options and shopping opportunities for travellers.
Both terminals are equipped with modern security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and their belongings. There are several checkpoints throughout the terminals where passengers must pass through metal detectors and have their baggage screened before boarding their flights.
Overall, the terminals at Cairns International Airport are designed to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers. With modern amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport is well-equipped to handle the growing demand for air travel in the region. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, the terminals at Cairns International Airport will ensure that your journey is smooth and hassle-free.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Cairns International Airport:
– Air Niugini: Port Moresby
– Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong
– Cebu Pacific: Manila
– China Eastern Airlines: Shanghai-Pudong
– Hainan Airlines: Shenzhen, Guangzhou
– Jetstar Airways: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Osaka-Kansai, Tokyo-Narita, Denpasar-Bali
– Qantas: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin
– SilkAir: Singapore
– Virgin Australia: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
Domestic routes include flights to major cities in Australia such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.
International routes include flights to Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Shanghai-Pudong, and Port Moresby.
Some airlines may have seasonal changes to their schedules, so it is recommended to check with the airline or airport website for updates.
Transportation Options at Cairns International Airport
Cairns International Airport is the main gateway to Far North Queensland and provides a range of transportation options for those travelling in and out of the airport.
One of the most popular transportation options is the airport shuttle service. Many companies offer this service, which can take passengers to and from their accommodation in Cairns or surrounding areas. The shuttle buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and can be more affordable than a taxi or hire car.
If you prefer to have your own vehicle, there are also several car rental companies located at the airport. These include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. Visitors can choose from a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans, and can book in advance or on arrival at the airport.
Another convenient transportation option is the shuttle bus service provided by Sun Palm Transport. This service operates between Cairns International Airport and various hotel and resort locations in the area. The service is reasonably priced and runs regularly throughout the day.
For those looking to travel further afield, there is also a train line that runs from Cairns to other parts of Queensland. The train station is located in the city centre, approximately 15 minutes from the airport, and there are frequent services available. This can be a scenic and relaxing way to explore the region.
In summary, there are many transportation options available at Cairns International Airport, including shuttle services, car rentals, shuttle buses, and train lines. Travellers should consider their needs, budget, and travel plans when choosing the best option for their trip.
Parking at Cairns International Airport
Cairns International Airport offers several parking options for travelers, including covered and uncovered parking. The closest car park to the terminal building is the multi-level covered car park, which is ideal for those who want to avoid walking too far with their luggage.
The covered car park has over 1,000 spaces available and operates on a pay-per-hour system. For long-term parking options, the airport offers an economy uncovered car park located just a short walk from the terminal building. This car park offers more than 3,000 spaces and is ideal for those looking to save money on parking.
Rates for the uncovered car park start at $6 per hour or $25 per day, while the covered car park rates start at $8 per hour or $39 per day. For those traveling on business, the airport also offers valet parking services located near the Domestic Terminal.
Overall, Cairns International Airport provides convenient and affordable parking options for all travelers. Whether you need short-term or long-term parking, covered or uncovered, there are plenty of choices available to suit your needs and budget.
Check-In Procedures
When checking in at Cairns International Airport, there are multiple options available to passengers. Online check-in can be completed up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. This method allows passengers to print their boarding pass or receive a mobile boarding pass directly to their smartphone.
Self-service kiosks are also available at the airport for those who prefer to check-in at the airport. These kiosks allow passengers to print their boarding passes and baggage tags, and drop their bags off at the designated counter. Self-service check-in is available up to four hours before departure time.
For those who prefer traditional check-in methods, there are counters staffed by airline personnel available throughout the terminal. These counters are typically open three hours before the scheduled departure time.
Regardless of the method chosen, passengers will need to present a valid form of identification and any necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their flight departure time to allow for sufficient time to complete the check-in process, pass through security, and reach their gate.
Security Procedures and Tips at Cairns International Airport
When arriving at Cairns International Airport, passengers are required to pass through security screening before departing.
This includes removing any items from your pockets and placing them in a tray, removing laptops and liquids from your carry-on, and passing through a metal detector or body scanner.
To ensure a smooth security check, arrive at the airport early, wear easily removable shoes, and follow all instructions given by security personnel.
Also, pack your carry-on in an organized manner to make it easy to remove items during the screening process.
Remember, security procedures are in place for the safety of all passengers and staff, so be patient and cooperative during the process.
Customs and Immigration at Cairns International Airport
Arriving passengers are required to fill out an incoming passenger card before proceeding to the customs and immigration area.
Here, they will be required to present their passport along with their completed incoming passenger card.
Passengers may be asked some questions by customs and immigration officers to ensure that they comply with Australia’s customs and immigration laws.
After clearing customs and immigration, passengers can collect their luggage from the baggage claim area and proceed to the arrivals hall.
Departing passengers must go through security screening before proceeding to the departure gates.
Passengers should allow enough time to clear security as there may be wait times during peak periods.
After security screening, departing passengers proceed to the customs and immigration area where they will need to present their boarding pass and passport.
Passengers may be asked some questions by customs and immigration officers before being permitted to board their flight.
Amenities
– Food and beverage outlets, including cafes, restaurants, and bars
– Retail shops offering souvenirs, gifts, and duty-free products
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building
– ATMs and currency exchange services
– Information desks for travel assistance
– Baby care facilities, including nursing rooms and diaper changing areas
– Bookable conference rooms with audiovisual equipment
– Prayer rooms for spiritual observance
– Disabled access facilities, including elevators, ramps, and specialized toilets
– Car rental services and taxi ranks for transportation needs
Cairns International Airport offers a wide range of amenities to cater to various needs and preferences. Passengers can indulge in delicious food and drinks at the cafes, restaurants, and bars located throughout the terminal. They can also shop for souvenirs, gifts, and duty-free products at the retail shops. The airport provides free Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy for travelers to stay connected with their loved ones or work remotely. The ATMs and currency exchange services ensure that passengers have access to cash and different currencies as needed. The information desks offer travel assistance and help with any queries. For families with young children, there are baby care facilities such as nursing rooms and diaper changing areas. The bookable conference rooms with audiovisual equipment provide a business-friendly environment for meetings or conferences. The prayer rooms cater to the spiritual needs of passengers from different faiths. The disabled access facilities make the airport accessible for everyone, including those with mobility impairments. Finally, car rental services and taxi ranks offer convenient transportation options for getting to and from the airport.
Accessibility Services
Cairns International Airport strives to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all passengers, including those with disabilities or mobility issues.
The airport offers a variety of facilities and services to assist passengers, such as accessible parking, wheelchair ramps, elevators, and designated restrooms.
Passengers can also request assistance from airport staff, who are trained to provide aid with boarding and disembarking aircraft, as well as navigating the airport.
For more information on accessibility services at Cairns International Airport, please visit the airport’s website or contact their customer service team.
Connecting Flights at Cairns International Airport
Connecting flights at Cairns International Airport can be a breeze if you know what to expect.
First, make sure you have plenty of time between flights – at least 1-2 hours.
Once you disembark from your first flight, follow the signs for connecting flights and go through security again.
Be sure to check the departure gate and boarding time for your next flight.
If you have a tight connection, consider asking a staff member for help or taking advantage of the airport’s shuttle service.
Remember to keep your boarding pass and ID handy and stay aware of gate changes or delays.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have no trouble catching your connecting flight at Cairns International Airport.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
After passengers disembark from their flight, they will proceed to the baggage claim area located on the ground floor of the terminal.
Each carousel represents a flight and displays the airline, flight number, and city of origin. Passengers can identify their luggage by checking the luggage tag against the information on the carousel.
If a passenger’s luggage is missing, they should report it to their airline’s baggage services desk located in the baggage claim area. A representative will ask for the passenger’s information and provide a reference number for tracking purposes.
If a passenger’s luggage is damaged, they should report it to their airline’s baggage services desk as soon as possible. The representative will assess the damage and provide instructions on how to proceed with filing a claim.
For lost property, passengers should contact the airport’s lost property office located on the first floor of the terminal. They can also submit a lost property report online through the airport’s website. Upon recovery of an item, the office will contact the owner to arrange for pickup or delivery.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In the event of an emergency, Cairns International Airport has a well-trained team to handle any situation. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are on standby 24/7 for immediate response.
The airport also has a fully equipped medical center with doctors and nurses on duty at all times. The medical center is located in the arrivals area and provides medical services for both passengers and staff.
Additionally, there are defibrillators installed throughout the airport for use in case of cardiac arrest. These devices are simple to use and can be operated by anyone.
Cairns International Airport also has close ties with the local hospitals and can arrange for transportation to a nearby medical facility if necessary. Overall, Cairns International Airport takes pride in ensuring the health and safety of its passengers and staff.
Hotel Accommodations:
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Cairns International Airport.
Some of the hotels located near the airport include Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Ibis Styles Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns, and Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina.
All of these hotels offer a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness centers.
The hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport for the convenience of their guests.
The distance between the Cairns International Airport and these hotels ranges from 1.5 to 5 kilometers, making them easily accessible for travelers.
Useful Tips:
Plan ahead and arrive early at Cairns International Airport to avoid stress and allow enough time for security checks and potential delays.
Make sure to check your flight status and gate number before heading to the airport, and keep in mind that you may need to take a shuttle between terminals.
Consider bringing an empty water bottle that you can fill up once you pass security, as staying hydrated during travel is important.
If you have some time to spare, explore the airport’s shops and restaurants to take in some local flavor before your flight.
And finally, don’t forget to double-check that you have all necessary documents and belongings before leaving the airport.
Contact Information:
- Airport Information Desk: +61 7 4080 6703
- Flight Information Hotline: 1800 077 439 (toll-free within Australia)
- Lost and Found: +61 7 4080 6791
- Disabled Services: +61 7 4080 6783
- Baggage Services: +61 7 4080 6811
- Car Parking Enquiries: +61 7 4080 6701
Airports Near Cairns International Airport
If you’re looking for alternative flight options or have a layover or connecting flight, there are several airports in the vicinity of Cairns International Airport:
- Cairns North Airfield: located 4.8 miles (7.7 km) north of Cairns International Airport. Transportation options include taxi and car rental.
- Mareeba Airport: located 31.2 miles (50.2 km) west of Cairns International Airport. Transportation options include taxi and car rental.
- Innisfail Airport: located 44.1 miles (71 km) south of Cairns International Airport. Transportation options include taxi and car rental.
- Port Douglas Airport: located 39.1 miles (62.9 km) north of Cairns International Airport. Transportation options include shuttle bus and car rental.
It’s important to note that some of these airports may have limited flights and services. Be sure to check schedules and availability before making travel plans.