Business
23 December, 2025
Jet into aviation hotel
DETAILS of the first onsite hotel at Cairns Airport have been unveiled.
Construction of the $60 million SkyHaven airport accommodation project is scheduled early next year.
Highlights include:
186 short-stay accommodation units with full development approval
Shovel-ready site, construction starting March 2026
Expected opening: late 2027
Total project cost: $60m.
MiHaven is behind the project which will be the first dedicated corporate and transit workforce accommodation precinct at Australia’s seventh busiest airport.
Designed to meet the growing needs of the non-tourist sector, including FIFO workers, corporate travellers, aviation staff and regional contractors, SkyHaven is positioned to fill a long-standing market gap at Cairns Airport, a location with high throughput, yet zero on-site accommodation options.
SkyHaven proponents James and Sarah Mort say the infrastructure gap is obvious and the need has been demonstrated with letters of support secured by a long line of private companies and government agencies across various industry sectors already invested in the region.
“SkyHaven fills a critical infrastructure gap for Cairns Airport and the wider Far North Queensland region,” Ms Mort said.
“Our vision is to deliver an accommodation solution that, not only supports corporate and transit travellers, but also creates lasting economic and social value for the community,” she said.
“This project brings together strong returns, responsible development principles and the opportunity to invest in the future of our region.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) chief executive officer Mark Olsen said the project was important for the growth of tourism.
“The development of quality short-term accommodation at Cairns Airport is vital to our region’s future growth, addressing a significant gap in the market,” he said.
The proponents are also seeking investors. Investors will participate through an unlisted real estate investment trust (REIT) with a 50-year leasehold tenure, backed by robust governance and a commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and transparent management.
This project will provide further construction apprenticeship opportunities as well as work for the Indigenous community.
Mr Mort said with SkyHaven, “we are combining MiHaven’s proven construction capability with a forward-thinking approach to regional accommodation needs”.
“The market fundamentals are exceptionally strong. Cairns Airport is growing, the demand is real and there has never been a more strategic time to deliver this asset,” he said.
“We’re proud to be bringing this project to life and look forward to welcoming investors who share our commitment to quality and regional growth.”
The SkyHaven site is in the Cairns Airport Business Park across 7560sqm of approved development land. It is near the domestic terminal.
The property will be managed by Mandala Hotels and Resorts, which also operates the Mercure Cairns in the city’s CBD.
