Key Features of Terminal Upgrade Revealed
Work is underway on the next stage of Cairns Airport’s $55 million international terminal upgrade, including preparations for new baggage belts set to streamline passengers’ arrival. See the designs.
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Work is underway on the next stage of Cairns Airport’s $55 million international terminal upgrade, including preparations for new baggage belts set to streamline passengers’ arrival.
The new belts will be much larger than those currently in operation, meaning luggage from arriving widebody flights will no longer need to be separated across multiple carousels.
The area is also being expanded to enable improved passenger flow.
“All of these improvements are aimed at simplifying and expediting the arrivals process for passengers,” Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said.
“Our international services continue to grow and we are doing the work to enhance our infrastructure in step with these developments.
“The first stage of work is already complete, which produced a total transformation of our check-in and arrivals halls, including new elevators and escalators, upgraded bathrooms and parent rooms, modern furniture, fresh tiled floors and replacement of all check-in counters.
“We have also installed four new airconditioned glass airbridges, which offer travellers a panoramic view of our mountains and waterways as soon as they land. The tropical welcome continues inside, with a range of native and local plants selected to complement the upgrade.”
Two new international services were announced at Cairns Airport last week – the return of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific after five years out of the market and Jetstar flights to Christchurch, the first time the two destinations have been connected by a non-stop service.
The international passenger lounge reopened in March in line with the start of Singapore Airlines’ A350 widebody services, following a $1 million remodel.
Significant improvements are also being rolled out in the departures lounge, which will feature a new layout and seating areas.
“We are also proud to be showcasing the unique beauty and culture of Tropical North Queensland,” Mr Barker said.
“One of the highlights in the departures lounge will be a handcrafted wooden canoe suspended from the ceiling, flanked by mirrors to provide an eye-catching effect. This piece was crafted by Torres Strait Island man Toby Cedar and purchased by Cairns Airport at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
“We believe the installation will become a recognisable and favoured feature of the terminal for our arriving international guests.”
The international terminal upgrade is due for completion at the end of 2025.
It is the first major upgrade of the building since it opened more than 30 years ago.
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Originally published as Key Features of Terminal Upgrade Revealed
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