Cairns Airport (IATA: CNS) is one of Australia’s premier regional airports, connecting North Queensland with a wide range of domestic and international destinations. Often described as “descending into paradise,” the airport serves as the primary gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforests of Far North Queensland.

Situated just 7 km north of Cairns CBD, the airport lies between Mount Whitfield to the west and Trinity Bay to the east, offering travellers a spectacular coastal arrival framed by rainforest mountains and the Coral Sea.

Cairns Airport is conveniently located along Airport Avenue off Sheridan Street (Captain Cook Highway), approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) from the Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The airport’s position ensures quick access to both the city and the northern beaches, making it an ideal entry point for travellers exploring Port Douglas, Palm Cove, and the Daintree Rainforest.

Cairns Airport provides direct flights to 10 international and 27 domestic destinations, as well as numerous regional and charter services across Northern Australia.

Regular flights connect Cairns with Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Townsville, Newcastle, the Whitsunday Coast, and many regional centres throughout North Queensland.

Travellers can fly nonstop to Singapore, Bali, Shanghai, Port Moresby, Tokyo, Osaka, Auckland, and other seasonal destinations across Asia and the Pacific.

The airport is served by Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Bonza, and several international carriers, linking Cairns to major global hubs.

Cairns Airport features two passenger terminals situated on the eastern side of the airfield on reclaimed mangrove land. The terminals are approximately 200 metres apart and connected by clearly signed pedestrian walkways.
 

• Terminal 1 (International) has 6 jet bridges and 10 gates, handling all overseas arrivals and departures.
• Terminal 2 (Domestic) features 5 jet bridges and 17 gates, serving routes across Australia.

Both terminals provide modern amenities including cafés, retail outlets, duty-free shops, and car-rental services. Check-in counters and self-service kiosks are available throughout, with friendly staff on hand to assist passengers during peak hours.

A large-scale Cairns Regional Trade Distribution Centre was under construction following its announcement by the Queensland State Government in 2022. This 2,400 m² facility strengthens the region’s AU$40 million food-and-agricultural export industry by streamlining logistics and cold-storage operations. The centre was developed partially atop the site of the former general-aviation runway 12/30.

Currently, Cairns Airport operates a single main runway (15/33) measuring 3,156 m, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft for long-haul operations.
Approaches from the north pass over the city’s northern beaches, while southern approaches descend directly over central Cairns — a signature experience for arriving passengers.

Located between Gates 2 and 3 in the T1 Departures Lounge, the Escape Lounge offers a refined space to relax before international flights. Travellers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, a complimentary bar, ultra-fast private Wi-Fi, and a curated menu of hot and cold dishes.

Open to all passengers, the award-winning Escape Lounge welcomes guests via pre-booking or walk-in access, providing a tranquil setting for work or rest before departure.

The Qantas Club Lounge is situated on Level 1 of the T2 Departures area. After passing security, turn left toward Gate 20 and take the escalator up; the entrance is on the right. This premium lounge offers comfortable seating, refreshments, workspaces, and amenities exclusively for Business Class travellers, Qantas Club members, and Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum tiers.

According to Magelline's Guidebook view, Cairns Airport (CNS) isn’t just a regional hub — it’s the threshold between reef and rainforest, where every arrival feels like a descent into paradise. With its dual terminals, global connections, and relaxed tropical rhythm, it perfectly mirrors the spirit of Far North Queensland. In Magelline’s Guidebook view, Cairns Airport stands as proof that nature and travel can coexist in harmony — every journey beginning beneath the palms and ending at the sea.