General News
4 August, 2026
Airport is city’s engine room
WHAT began as a community dream in the 1930s has become one of Australia’s most significant regional airports.
Built on the vision of residents who raised funds for a reliable all-weather airfield, Cairns Airport quickly proved its importance during World War II, when it was taken over by the Australian Government and upgraded for Royal Australian Air Force operations.
Over the following decades, the airport underwent a series of major expansions, with longer runways paving the way for larger aircraft, jet services and growing passenger numbers.
A major milestone came in 1975 when Air Niugini launched the first international flights between Cairns and Port Moresby, opening the door to global connections for the city.
The airport’s transformation accelerated through the 1980s and 1990s with the construction of modern domestic and international terminals and the extension of the main runway to 3196 metres. International carriers soon followed helping establish Cairns as a key gateway between Australia and Asia.
While millions of passengers have passed through its terminals, the airport’s apron has told its own story, welcoming everything from military aircraft, international airliners, the supersonic Concorde, plus visits from celebrity private jets and some of the world’s largest heavy-lift aircraft. If it has wings, chances are it has touched down in Cairns at some point.
Today, Cairns Airport welcomes over five million passengers per year and connects millions of passengers each year to destinations across Australia, Asia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
From its humble beginnings as an airstrip, Cairns Airport has evolved into a vital aviation hub, driving tourism, trade and economic growth.
Key dates:
1934: The people of Cairns started raising money to build an airport where aircraft were able to always land and take off, particularly in times of emergency.
1943: Runway first sealed.
1962-1967: The airport was upgraded and the runway lengthened to 2020 metres and strengthened so jets could land.
1982: Commencement of stage one redevelopment. This involved further lengthening of the runway to 2600 metres (making it the longest runway in Queensland) and construction of a new terminal building.
1984: Completion of stage one redevelopment. Official opening of dual international and domestic terminals on 31 March.
1990: Completion of main runway extension from 2600 to 3196 metres.
1997: Completion of stage 3A redevelopment. Within this redevelopment, a three-storey airport administration centre was constructed providing 4000sqm
2005: Stage one of the Cairns International Airport terminal redevelopment completed.
2010: Cairns Airport domestic terminal redevelopment completed and officially opened 29 September.
