Cairns Airport is currently the fifth busiest airport in Australia.   It's actually the busiest regional airport in the country.  According to a spokesman from Cairns Airport, there are 3 million reasons to transform Cairns Domestic Terminal into a state-of-the-art gateway to our region.

"That's how many local, interstate and international visitors get their first impression of the region when passing through Cairns Domestic Terminal and that's why we are investing $200 million".

If you haven't been to Cairns Airport for a while, next time you go you'll be amazed at the progress that has been made on the re-development and it's right on schedule for August (ish) this year.

The current changes means that the new northern loop road is now operational and includes the new Taxi Rank and Limousine Pick-Up areas. (scroll down for Map.)

There are some new Pick-Up Areas for the Public Bus, Large Coaches and Smaller Buses. (scroll down for Map.)   Check-in for all Domestic airlines is in the spacious, state-of-the-art Common-Use Check-In Area at the southern (city) end of the Terminal. 

Vehicles can access the Public Car park and the Public Drop-Off/Pick-Up Areas by taking the first turn left after the main roundabout at the intersection of Airport Avenue and Mick Borzi Drive. (scroll down for Map.)  The Public Drop-Off Area is located opposite Check-In at the southern (city) end of the Domestic Terminal. The Public Pick-Up Area is located at the centre of the Terminal. 

Vehicles can proceed directly into the Public Car park from this area, exit the airport or proceed to the International Terminal or Rental Car park.  Both the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas include a space for people with a disability.  There is currently a temporary Public Pick-Up area for people with a disability located within the Airport Operations Centre car park. (scroll down for Map.)

Passengers arrive either into Gates 18 - 22 located inside the Departures Lounge or Gate 1 adjacent to the interim Baggage Claim building. If you're picking someone up, you should check the Flight Information Display Screens for the arrival gate number of each flight.

All rental car offices are now located in the interim Baggage Claim facility. Access to the Domestic Rental Car Park and the Airport Operations Centre is via Mick Borzi Drive, turn left just before the International Terminal. (scroll down for Map)

Click here or call Cairns Airport on 1800 177 748 for more information.

Click here to view a fly through of the future vision of our Airport.

Editors Comments: This really is a massive undertaking but one that is well worth the minor inconvenience travellers are experiencing while the work is progressing.   I've been down there three times in the last 4 weeks and each time I go there something new is emerging.
You know what they say, 'You don't get a second chance at a first impression'. And from the looks of the plans and the works being carried out, the Airport authority is doing a splendid job to fulfill the dream.