Cairns Airport prepares for biggest summer since 2008 after $55m overhaul
Thousands of Amway Korea delegates arriving in Cairns on 20 charter flights this month may lead to flow-on benefits beyond an immediate $13m boost to the region’s economy.
More than 120,000 visitors are expected to use the Cairns International Airport’s latest facilities this festive season, as the terminal’s $55 million upgrade nears completion.
Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said around 120,000 visitors were expected to travel through the terminal over the key period, the highest figure since 2008.
“A lot of them are Australians heading out to the snow in Japan, so we have two big flights every day out to Tokyo and Osaka,” Mr Barker said.
“But people love coming to the Great Barrier Reef and our beautiful part of the world, and we’re expecting good numbers this summer.”
Mr Barker said the region’s international numbers had recovered well post-Covid, while domestic numbers continued to grow.
“Domestic is growing, at a much slower rate, but international’s performing really well and we’re excited about some prospects,” he said.
“Our region’s rich culture and history are key drawcards for international visitors.”
It comes as the Far North played host to 2800 Amway Korea delegates, including 20 charter flights with Air Korea and Asiana Air.
Mr Barker said it was a great opportunity for Cairns Airport and international airlines to develop new routes, but did not confirm if a direct Cairns to Seoul connection was on the cards.
“We have a team whose sole focus is working with international airlines and developing new routes and an important part of the Amway charters is giving the air industry exposure,” he said.
“We’ve had flights from Korea in the past, and certainly they’re on our road map for the future.”
Meanwhile, international visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art facilities as they transit through the airport with the terminal’s $55 million upgrade to be completed by the end of this month, including new retail and dining offerings and additional art enhancements to follow in 2026.
The upgrade included two large, new baggage belts, an overhaul of the check-in and arrivals areas, with modern furnishings, a refurbished departures lounge, remodelled bathrooms, four glass airbridges, new flooring, escalators and elevators and more.
A new covered car park adjacent to the international terminal is also slated to open early next year.
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Originally published as Cairns Airport prepares for biggest summer since 2008 after $55m overhaul
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