Canberra Airport
Canberra Airport (IATA: CBR) is the international airport serving Australia’s capital city, Canberra, as well as the nearby city of Queanbeyan and surrounding regions of south-eastern New South Wales. Located in the district of Majura, just 8 km from the Canberra city centre, it ranks as the ninth-busiest airport in Australia and plays a vital role in connecting the nation’s political heart to both domestic and international destinations.
Canberra Airport lies at the crossroads of government, business, and leisure travel, offering modern facilities within a scenic setting framed by the Brindabella Ranges. Its proximity to the city makes it ideal for travellers seeking quick, efficient access between Parliament House, the Canberra CBD, and other regional hubs.
Canberra Airport provides daily domestic services to all Australian state capitals, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, as well as major regional and leisure destinations including Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, and Hobart.
The airport currently offers direct international flights to Nadi (Fiji) with Fiji Airways, providing convenient onward connections via Nadi to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and other global gateways.
Daily flights to Doha, Qatar operated by Qatar Airways via Melbourne improve Canberra's international connectivity.
Over the years, Canberra Airport has also hosted services to Denpasar (Bali), Singapore, and Wellington (New Zealand), reflecting its growing international reach.
The airport is serviced by Qantas (and QantasLink), Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Fly Pelican, and Link Airways: ensuring a wide network of connections across the country and beyond.
Canberra Airport is divided into four main precincts, each dedicated to specific aviation and commercial purposes:
Passenger Terminal & General Aviation (South-West Quadrant): Located between runways 17/35 and 12/30, this area houses the main terminal, general aviation hangars, long- and short-term car parks, and a four-star hotel for travellers.
Brindabella Business Park: Situated south of the terminal, this hub features corporate offices and a QantasLink heavy maintenance facility for Boeing 717 aircraft.
Fairbairn Precinct (Eastern Side): Formerly part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Fairbairn, this section supports government VIP flights operated by No. 34 Squadron, military and state visits, and includes the Air Traffic Control Tower, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) facilities, and remote parking stands for diverted or large aircraft.
Majura Park (Northern Area): A mixed-use precinct along Majura Road, home to the Majura Park Shopping Centre, Costco, IKEA, and several office buildings — turning Canberra Airport into a dynamic retail and commercial destination.
A duty-free store operates in the International Departures Lounge (Level 3), offering premium goods, cosmetics, and travel accessories.
The airport’s terminal complex combines modern architecture with efficient design — ensuring smooth passenger flow, ample natural light, and a comfortable travel environment.
Canberra Airport also serves as the only public general aviation facility within the Australian Capital Territory. In addition, Defence Establishment Fairbairn, located on airport grounds, supports VIP and military operations. This includes government flights, foreign dignitary visits, and handling for itinerant military aircraft — reflecting Canberra’s role as the seat of Australia’s government.
Canberra Airport has achieved Level 4 Accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program by Airports Council International (ACI). This makes it one of Australia’s highest-rated airports for carbon management, just one step below Newcastle Airport’s Level 4+ status. The certification highlights the airport’s climate leadership, ongoing energy efficiency initiatives, and commitment to sustainable aviation operations — aligning perfectly with the region’s environmental values.
Combining world-class infrastructure, efficient connections, and strong sustainability credentials, Canberra Airport (CBR) stands as the gateway to Australia’s capital and the heart of government travel.
In Magelline’s Guidebook view, whether flying domestically across the country or connecting internationally through Fiji and Doha, passengers can expect a modern, smooth, and environmentally conscious travel experience.