Cairns Airport responds to multimillion dollar investment

The boss of Cairns Airport has responded to a multimillion dollar federal international travel investment which aims to support airports as the country reopens. HAVE YOUR SAY

CAIRNS Airport boss Richard Barker has deemed a multimillion dollar federal investment in international security screening for Australian airports to be of “minimal” use to the facility until a border commitment is reached.

Mr Barker’s comments followed an Australian Government announcement of $64 million for aviation security screening cost rebates for Australia’s major international airports from October 1 to March 31.

The airport chief executive said while he welcomed the federal government support, until international borders reopened, it was of minimal assistance.

The Cairns Airport international terminal. Picture: Brendan Radke

“What we need from the Queensland government is their commitment to reopen both domestic and international borders in line with the dates agreed at national cabinet,” Mr Barker said.

“Until then, tourism and aviation operators need wage support as proposed by Advance Cairns and TTNQ in Brisbane last week) or else many North Queensland operators will not survive until borders reopen.”

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the rebate program was designed to help airports meet the costs associated with mandated security requirements, such as passenger and baggage screening on international passenger flights.

“Rebates for major international airports will help ease the financial burden they are currently experiencing due to low passenger numbers, assisting them to manage the costs associated with international services until demand increases,” he said.

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Australian Airports Association chief executive James Goodwin said the International Airport Security Charges Rebate program would enable airports to support the government’s reopening strategy.

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, international airports have stayed open to assist the government in repatriating Australians from overseas, to land critical freight including Covid vaccines and to ensure Australia’s important trade could continue,” Mr Goodwin said.

“Australia’s airports will perform a vital role in assisting government facilitate any new protocols and procedures as international travel resumes. We know restarting international aviation is not as simple as just opening the border.

“There will be major complexities involved but airports stand ready to ensure the operational environment, policy settings and logistics are right so overseas travel can continue to be safe and secure for all passengers and staff.”

Originally published as Cairns Airport responds to multimillion dollar investment