Since its early beginnings as a runway for Tom McDonald and his Gypsy Moth in 1928, Cairns Airport has grown into the seventh busiest airport in Australia today. This has taken nearly a century to come full circle, but in the process of creating a bustling international and domestic hub for air travel, Cairns Airport has also updated (and continues to update) their facilities to offer more amenities for the more than three million people who pass through each year.

Most recently, the passenger lounge has been undergoing a redevelopment to include more user-friendly approaches to checking in as well as offering more modern amenities to pass the time. This particular project is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2010 and will help improve the ease of travel through Cairns Airport as well by increasing the air bridges that are available for gates 18 through 20.

As of right now, there are two runways at Cairns Airport, one is 3,196 m long to accommodate larger jetliners and the other runways is a mere 925 m long that was built to accommodate general air traffic and more local flights. The smaller runway’s final approach intersects with the larger runway making for spectacular views.

Being only about seven kilometres away from Cairns allows for easy access via an hourly shuttle bus or a cab if you decide to not rent a car. Both of these options are relatively affordable with the taxi only costing around $12 to go to the centre of the city. While public transport is always an option, some people prefer the freedom of having their own means of conveyance and will opt to hire a car through one of the many companies at Cairns airport.