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Cairns Flight Status Arrivals and Departures

Airline
Flight code
Arrival time
Origin
Status
Terminal and gate

Good to know

Distance to Palm Cove17.7km
Distance to Cairns4.1km
Most popular destinationSydney

Is Cairns Airport a busy airport?

Cairns Airport is a lively hub, serving around 5 to 6 million passengers annually. With approximately 14 airlines in operation, Qantas alone runs about 122 weekly flights, highlighting the airport's role as a critical connector in the region. You can expect around 50 to 100 flights each day, contributing to a staggering 18,000 to 36,000 flights every year. Peak travel times from June to August, along with school holidays and weekends, see a significant rise in travellers, all facilitated efficiently thanks to ongoing upgrades. Whether you're travelling during the bustling summer months or the quieter shoulder seasons, Cairns Airport ensures a smooth and engaging experience.

The best way to get to and from Cairns Airport to the city centre

When arriving at Cairns Airport (CNS), you've got several options for reaching the city centre efficiently. If you prefer convenience, car rentals are a reliable choice, with companies like East Coast, Budget, and Jucy available right at the airport. For a quicker trip without driving, consider the scheduled shuttle services – like those from Exemplar Coaches – which can get you to the CBD in just about 8 minutes. Although public buses offer a travel alternative, note that they require a 40-minute walk to the nearest stop and a total travel time of 50-60 minutes to the city centre. No matter your choice, always check the latest transport schedules and availability to plan your journey seamlessly.

Cairns Airport terminal information

As you arrive at Cairns Airport, you'll find two main terminals designed for easy navigation. T1 is dedicated to international flights, while T2 handles domestic routes. Both terminals offer a variety of shopping options and dining spots, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. Whether you're waiting to catch a flight or just landed, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and the convenience of ATMs spread throughout. Need to freshen up? Shower facilities are available in the airport lounges. If you're travelling from one terminal to another, a quick five-minute walk along the covered walkway will get you there with ease. Remember, Cairns Airport is operational 24/7, and clear signage helps you find your way.

What parking options are available near Cairns Airport?

At Cairns Airport, you have a range of parking choices to fit your needs. If you're just stopping by briefly, the short-term parking is conveniently located near the terminals, offering a quick in-and-out option. For longer stays, consider using the long-term parking which provides economical solutions. If you're after something extra, reserved or premium parking offers covered spaces that protect your vehicle. All parking areas are operational 24/7, with a brief free parking window in the short-term zone to make your drop-offs or quick visits even easier. Whether you're flying international with T1 Budget or domestic with T2 Covered and Uncovered options, there's a parking spot waiting for you.


Cairns Airport FAQs

Yes, Jetstar operates to and from both Cairns Airport Arrivals and Departures.
Yes, Singapore Airlines operates to and from both Cairns Airport Arrivals and Departures.
Yes, Virgin Australia operates to and from both Cairns Airport Arrivals and Departures.
Yes. There are Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast, simba car hire, Ur Drive, Europcar, Thrifty, Apex, Enterprise and Ace Rental Cars pick-up points in or near to Cairns Airport’s Arrivals or Departures areas.
For international arrivals, it usually takes around an hour to clear Cairns Airport’s passport control and claim your baggage if you checked any in. Domestic arrivals to Cairns Airport don’t need to pass through passport control, so take a little less time.

If you’re heading to Cairns Airport arrivals to pick up a family member or friend, consider arriving half an hour after their flight is due to touch down.
We recommend you leave at least two and a half hours between your inbound and outbound flights, especially if you are self-transferring on an international flight. When you self-transfer, you may need to clear customs, claim any luggage and then check it back on to your next flight yourself. Take into account that you might need to change terminals, or it could take longer than necessary to navigate Cairns Airport’s departure lounge.
Nrma Cairns Holiday Park is the highest-rated hotel near Cairns Airport, just 3.2km away. Other great hotels nearby include Cairns Sheridan Hotel (2.9km from the airport), and Summer House Cairns (2.6km away).
Check-in and bag drop often close an hour before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and sometimes an hour and a half before for longer-haul international flights. As a rule of thumb, you should try to arrive at Cairns Airport two hours before you fly but check with the airline you’re flying with.
Don’t worry if there’s no information available on our live flight tracker. We try our best to pull it directly from each airline but sometimes this might not work properly. Try contacting the airline directly, or checking their website to see if you can get an update.
Don’t panic! If you are not already at Cairns Airport, try contacting the airline directly to see if you can get on the next flight out, or a refund.

If you’re already inside Cairns Airport Departures when you find out, head to the airline’s desk to speak directly with someone.

If there are no more flights to your destination with the same airline and you really need to get there soon, we recommend searching for a new flight with Skyscanner and booking as soon as possible. You can then try to claim a refund for the original cancelled flight.

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