Cairns Airport has become the second airport in Australia to receive a global stamp of approval for its COVID-safe travel measures.
The Airports Council International Airport Health Accreditation program is an independent assessment of the health measures and procedures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It recognises Cairns Airport’s commitment to prioritising health and safety measures in alignment with the Airport Councils Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and industry best practices.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Norris Carter said the independent accreditation was great recognition of the work going on behind the scenes at Cairns Airport to ensure the health and safety of travellers.
“From the outset Cairns Airport has been committed to safeguarding the health of passengers and airport workers. Airports Council International’s recognition of our efforts are a great endorsement for both the airport and the recovery of our region.”
The recognition comes on the back of a local COVID-safe campaign launched by Cairns Airport and TTNQ earlier in the year aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of travellers to the region. Using distinctive local imagery from across the region, the campaign reminds travellers of the importance of COVID-safe practices including standing one cassowary apart.
“Airports Council International’s Airport Health Accreditation program is an important step in rebuilding passenger confidence and providing further assurance to travellers that they are in safe hands at Cairns Airport”, Mr Carter said.
Director General of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific Stefano Baronci said passengers travelling through Cairns could now enjoy the world-class facilities of the newly upgraded terminal knowing that every recommended biosecurity measure is in place.
“Airports of all sizes and traffic volumes across Australia and the rest of the region are preparing to coexist with the COVID-19 virus. Hats off to the team at Cairns Airport for obtaining the Airport Health Accreditation, demonstrating that the airport is a providing a safe experience for all travellers,” said Mr Baronci.
The announcement comes as Cairns Airport joins airports around the country in Airport Safety Week 2020, a campaign that focuses on engaging employees and contractors across airport communities and ensuring the highest health and safety standards are maintained.
“Its fitting that we’ve had this endorsement from Airports Council International I during Airport Safety Week as Cairns Airport is committed to continual improvement, maximising the passenger experience and ensuring passengers feel safe”, Mr Carter said.