Work is commencing on a new aviation precinct at Cairns Airport.
The Eastern Aviation Precinct will include an array of purpose-built infrastructure and facilities, enabling key local industries, businesses and airport partners to expand operations and explore new opportunities.
This long-term development is central to Cairns Airport’s strategic plan for future sustainable growth.
We are investing now to ensure we have infrastructure that will support local industries, and develop our business in a way that is responsible and beneficial to our community.
PLEASE NOTE
Significant preliminary earthworks need to occur to prepare the area for construction. Large trucks delivering material will be regularly entering Airport Avenue from now, and throughout the coming months.
Please allow for extra time to arrive at Cairns Airport, particularly if you are entering Airport Avenue from the south side of the city.
Thank you for your patience as we deliver this upgrade for our region.
THE DETAILS
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Once completed, operations at the Eastern Aviation Precinct are expected to contribute up to $60 million to the region’s economy.
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Four new aeronautical stands will be constructed during the first stage,enabling quicker turnaround for aircraft and ultimately catering to more passengers.
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Construction will follow a staged approach, with completion of the aeronautical stands expected in 2027.
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Also earmarked for development are new aeromedical and emergency response facilities, aircraft maintenance and repair resources including a 10,000m2 common-user hangar, training facilities and an area for renewable fuel and energy production.
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Helicopter operators will have a new dedicated base, allowing for more frequent scenic flights and increasing tourism capacity.
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More than 100 full-time jobs will be generated during construction of the precinct, and economic modelling shows up to 400 additional full-time jobs will be created when the precinct is complete.
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The new infrastructure will offer improved flood resilience. While we can’t predict the impact of future weather events, the project includes building specifications which will help to improve long-term infrastructure resilience.
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The Eastern Aviation Precinct is being developed on a vacant parcel of already-cleared land.
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More than 200,000 cubic metres of fill will be required to develop the site in the first stage.
