Cairns serves as the ‘capital’ of Tropical North Queensland’s aviation industry with regional service centres strategically located throughout the vast state of Queensland. The two largest aerodromes closest to Cairns are Innisfail and Mareeba.

Innisfail

Innisfail (Mundoo) Aerodrome is approximately 90km south of Cairns. The facility consists of two runways, sealed and grassed with associated services. The sealed runway is 1353 metres long and has electric lighting to cater for 24 hour and emergency operations.

Innisfail Aerodrome is primarily utilised by single and twin engine aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of less than 5700kg, and supports the following activities:

• Fixed wing and helicopter maintenance and agricultural spraying
• Charter operations including tourist operators
• Military operations
• Flying training
• Recreational aircraft maintenance and instruction
• Aircraft refuelling

The general aviation lease opportunities surrounding Innisfail Aerodrome are significant with a number of hangars and additional land available. Innisfail has an extensive and innovative engineering capability developed through the servicing of the region’s sugar and banana industries. It is also a burgeoning tourist destination renowned for its art deco buildings.

Mareeba

Mareeba Aerodrome is located approximately 41km south west of Cairns. The aerodrome currently supports a range of general aviation businesses that service clients across northern Australia and PNG, and is emerging as a major regional centre in north Queensland’s fast growing general aviation industry.

The aerodrome has a 1505 metre long sealed runway equipped for night operations. Due to increasing demand, the airport’s operator is developing additional land at the aerodrome to be leased for general aviation activities. The development will support a range of activities and facilities including private hangars, fixed wing and helicopter servicing operations, and other activities associated with the general aviation industry.