International direct flights from Cairns could be on offer by 2050

International direct flights are in hot demand at the moment. Looking forward to 2050, Cairns Airport management has revealed the countries they are targeting.

Hi-tech planes that travel further on less fuel will be taking off in Cairns in coming years, opening the region to more direct international markets.

Cairns Airport has outlined its vision to 2040 and beyond, with chief executive Richard Barker highlighting key destinations that could soon become more accessible for Far North travellers.

“We see more markets in Asia being accessible such as Vietnam, India and South Korea, as well as regional ports in Japan, and our future aspirations include direct flights to North America, Europe and the Middle East,” he said.

Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker has outlined its vision to 2040. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The new generation of fuel-efficient planes, which are due to start arriving in the next two to three years, will mean that destinations such as Japan and Korea will be accessible to planes that use half the fuel of existing planes, significantly reducing emissions.”

Airport data shows more than 4.8 million passengers and 46,000 flights each year.

By 2040, the Cairns population is projected to grow to 375,000 and passenger numbers are forecast to reach about 10 million.

“Our existing airline partners such as Qantas and Virgin Australia will have access to new aircrafts in the coming years and we will work closely with them to assess potential opportunities,” he said.

“Other international airlines also have firm orders for these new aircraft, which will have the capability of operating non-stop services to Cairns.”

The airport’s international terminal will be upgraded, starting in 2023.

A new helicopter precinct will also be built to help reduce delays and further support tourism operators.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said domestic travel would fill in the gaps of the international market.

Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker and Tourism Tropical North CEO Mark Olsen look forward to 2050. Picture: Jack Lawrie.

“Different countries and services can then be used to create greater desire at different times of the year so that we have a valuable patchwork of international arrivals throughout the year,” he said.

“For example, New Zealand is a great opportunity for six months, but the other six months should be supported by US travellers using two countries to make one route work.

“The same needs to be done with Singapore as a hub for Southeast Asia and a connector to Europe.

China remained a high priority towards 2050, according to the airport.

“Access to China will continue to be a key priority, however it is still to be determined when the China market will recover to Australia,” Mr Barker said.

Data from the Demographics Group showed nobody outspent the average Chinese tourist. Switzerland, Italy and Germany followed behind as the top spending tourists.

For Far North residents, more direct flights was at the top of their travel wish lists.

For Far North residents like Jeb Bray and Azariah Clarke, more direct flights was at the top of their travel wishlists. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns woman Azariah Clarke said she would travel more internationally if it was easier.

“I wish they had (more) direct flights from Cairns … I’m not a big fan of connecting flights which is another reason I haven’t thought about travelling anywhere,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to go to Greece.”

Travel agent Mercedes Gonzales said the demand from Cairns locals was high to travel and she doesn’t think that will stop any time soon.

“Europe is the leader. There’s definitely a strong interest in Europe, particularly Italy,” she said.

She said Japan would always be a favourable destination in the long-term.

Originally published as International direct flights from Cairns could be on offer by 2050