Cairns takes out Airport of the Year for second year running at Australian Aviation Awards
Move over Sydney and Melbourne – we have found the best airport in Australia and it’s not one you may have guessed.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cairns Airport has been crowned Airport of the Year at the Australian Aviation Awards for the second year in a row, beating airports in Melbourne and Sydney to claim the top gong.
The team’s flood recovery efforts in December 2023 were a major contributor in the decision, along with a series of other key community initiatives and infrastructure developments over the past 12 months.
The award was announced at a black-tie event held in Sydney, attended by hundreds of aviation industry stakeholders from across Australia.
Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said it was incredible to take home Airport of the Year for a second year.
“I’m very proud of the team at Cairns Airport for their commitment to the region and industry,” he said.
“This dedication is what enabled Cairns Airport to reopen our aerodrome so rapidly after last year’s unprecedented flooding.
“Our team displayed mammoth determination and resilience, and in doing so produced an exceptional outcome for our community and stakeholders.
“We were able to support emergency services during the critical recovery time and connect customers with loved ones before the festive season.”
Other factors considered by the judges included; Cairns Airport’s $55 million international terminal redevelopment, commencement of the Eastern Aviation Precinct development, growth in freight opportunities, employment and training initiatives, including support for the Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, and key partnerships, including sponsorship of IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Cairns.
The airport was also commended on its environmental and sustainability programs which include a landmark CleanCo Queensland agreement, enabling carbon-neutral operations by 2025, continued progress on the groundbreaking Sustainability Linked Loan, and its dedicated waste sorting program, which has led to literal tonnes of recycling being recovered from waste and saved from landfill.
“Cairns Airport’s company purpose is defined as – sustainably grow our aviation-related business to support the growth of our community,” Mr Barker said.
“Community lies at the heart of everything we do and we are motivated by this commitment every day.
“This is illustrated by the wide-ranging initiatives recognised through this award.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Cairns takes out Airport of the Year for second year running at Australian Aviation Awards
School issues alert after man chases, lures students
A school in Far North Queensland is on high alert following reports a man chased students and attempting to lure them into his car.
‘Grabbed his dogs and ran’: Airbnb guest lucky to escape house fire
A Cairns Airbnb guest was lucky to escape a blaze with his two dogs unscathed after a home was completely gutted by fire, believed be caused by a phone charger. Watch the video.