Australian government invests A$155m in Cairns and Mackay airports

Passenger Terminal Today
Elizabeth Baker
18 June 2024

The Australian government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has approved a A$155m (US$103m) loan to expand and upgrade Cairns and Mackay airports.

Cairns Airport’s upgrades
The loan to North Queensland Airports will help refurbish Cairns Airport’s international terminal – its first major upgrade since the building opened over 30 years ago.

The NAIF loan will: help to provide additional capacity by expanding baggage belts in the arrivals hall; contribute to the refurbishment of the departure lounge at the airport’s international terminal. It will also deliver new airside infrastructure as part of a new aviation precinct, including additional aircraft stands and taxiways and upgrading existing taxiways for future growth.

Mackay Airport’s expansion
At Mackay Airport, funding is intended to help deliver runway, apron and taxiway surface upgrades as well as a mixed retail and commercial precinct. According to the investors, the upgrades will support the tourism, resources and agricultural industries in North Queensland by encouraging business travel and air freight transport of fresh produce and other goods.

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