Cairns Airport

✅ Verified Review | Arriving at Cairns Airport was simple. Process through security efficient with both lanes being used. For a large regional airport, I find the shop varieties are adequate, the food options are good ranging from healthy to fast food. There is a lot of space and the airport has a variety of seating options. I did note it can get busy, but airline staff ensure their passengers are processed promptly out to the aircraft. The Indigenous items on sale are interesting and reasonably priced. Airline lounges located not far from boarding areas. I really enjoy visiting Cairns and their airport.

❎ Unverified | This airport continues in its reputation as a shocker. The check-in procedure is usually long queues and waiting. Then the departure lounge is uncomfortable with exceptionally bad acoustics. Announcements cant be deciphered, workers play shrill music on their mobile phones and the coffee shop staff are loud. The food they serve is outrageously priced and poor quality. Especially the $8.50 Aussie pie. BYO recommended.

I do my fare share of flying around the country but Cairns domestic Airport is a shocker. Huge queues through security. The terminal is noisy, there is a lack of seating. The seating design would be better suited to a bus depot. You cant move in this place.

Upon arrival at about 4.00am we were not able to disembark as the staff for the early shift had not all arrived so that was an odd start to my experience of Cairns airport. About 15 minutes later we all shuffled out and the passport smart gates did not like my passport but no problem there were ample immigration staff on duty unlike some airports so I was processed soon enough. Very small arrivals, just the one coffee shop open but then very few people as most seem to transfer so it was enough. Currency shop was also open early so really that is all you need in a regional airport and more than I have encountered at much bigger airports. Clean public toilets. Access to Cairns is via shuttle bus which was $16 and bit expensive given the very short ride but the upside is the location is very close to the city transfer is so simple and short. Overall an easy experience.

What a peaceful, clean, well appointed airport this is. The staff have that Australian sense of humour and are so friendly, it's a pleasure to fly from there. Everything is spotless and it's really relaxing waiting for the plane - no noise - it seems to have been deadened or reduced somehow. Signage is excellent and facilities top notch.

Fresh, clean, elegant airport. Staff very nice and accommodating. Highly recommended.

Clean modern domestic terminal good choice of catering and adequate seating.

Arrived at domestic airport and straight out to taxis much improved on 2009 when last here. Flew out and quick security and check-in. However on the way back we were transferring from one domestic flight to another. You arrive and have to leave the terminal and walk around the outside to go back through security. Considering all the work that has taken place recently I was surprised the transfer situation is so inelegant.

We were flying CNS to HKG with Cathay Pacific and again very disappointed with Cairns Business Class Lounge. The food comprised of poor presentation along with an uninspiring menu. The only hot food displayed was soup and apart from various 'nibbles' the only other option was a dry baguette that had been sliced in inches and some salmon - completely unappetizing. As for drinks the chilled cabinet consisted of only four bottles of wine none of which were champagne as you would expect when you're paying Business Class prices. I had to find someone from the kitchen to ask if champagne was available and the young lady in charge told that no it wasn't available and that only a sparkling wine was an option. The bottle in the cabinet turned out to be flat and a fresh bottle was opened by said staff. Staff attitude was very poor. This wasn't our first time at Cairns Int. but the worst so far. And while we were in the Lounge a lady ground staff member in full high viz jacket came in and helped herself to some soup - unusual to say the least.

Have just arrived here for the first time in three years. The so called "renovation" has finally been finished but is a total let down. Walkways to the gates are at least covered now and airconed but still concrete walkways with metal shed like walls around it worse than in 3rd world countries. Departure area has the same shops and fast food outlets as before. Major rip off is charging for luggage trolleys even in London Heathrow and LA they are free! Felt ashamed when I explained to dozens of tourists from the US and Japan that they need to pay (cash coins - not even credit cards accepted!) for these. Great welcome into the country and absolutely not excusable!