Cairns International Airport (CNS)

Cairns International Airport (CNS) is an Australian domestic and international airport managed by the Cairns Port Authority. The airport is located 7 km (10 miles) north of the Cairns CBD in the suburb of Aeroglen.

The Cairns airport serves international, domestic and general aviation flights including a number of helicopter operators. The airport serves many international carriers such as Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, Malaysia Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The airport is also a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Queensland Emergency Service search and rescue helicopters.

Cairns Airport is one of Australia's most technologically advanced airports. Records for the year ending June 2005 indicate that passenger movement was: 2,619,322 domestic and 107,202 international.


Cairns International Airport Terminals

CNS boasts a domestic terminal, separate international passenger terminal and a general aviation area. The airport handles international flights and flights to major Australian cities, tourist destinations and regional destinations throughout North Queensland. It is an important base for general aviation serving the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria Communities.

Both the International and domestic terminals offer many traveller facilities. This includes baggage trolleys, child care facilities, ATM machines, IDD telephone facilities, currency exchange, post office, and facilities for travellers with physical disabilities. The departure lounge at the domestic terminal features 13 retail stores and restaurants while the international departure lounge features 18 different shops and restaurants.


Transportation

Taxis and Cabs
Taxis are readily available outside both the domestic and international terminals of the Cairns Airport. Free taxi telephones are also located in the arrival halls along with taxi ranks charts.

Limousines
Several limousine companies offer pickup and drop-off services at the Cairns International Airport.

Shuttle Bus
A shuttle bus service is available to all luxury Cairns hotels and the city centre. Children under the age of 14 are entitled to travel without charge. Booking counters are at either end of the domestic terminal and at the international arrivals hall.

Courtesy Coaches
Several renowned Cairns hotels, backpacker hostels, tour groups and small Cairns accommodations operate courtesy coaches to and from the airport terminals.

Car Rentals
The international and domestic terminals house several car rental company desks such as Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty.

Parking
Both short-term and long-term parking are available adjacent to both terminals that cater to cars, taxis and large coaches. The car parks are fully automated and pay stations accept notes or coins and will even dispense change.