Cairns has become the first non-capital city to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, with more than 350 delegates gathering at the Cairns Convention Centre to discuss the future of aviation, 30 July-1 August.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland general manager of partnerships and events Tara Bennett said hosting the summit in Cairns would add first-hand experience to the compelling case for the city to be included in more aviation routes. “It is a privilege to be the first non-capital city to host this event, highlighting the strong demand for Tropical North Queensland’s nature-based experiences backed by a mature and professional tourism industry,” she said.
“Our ideal geographic positioning backed by the growth industries of tourism, high-value agriculture, marine industries and critical minerals will help delegates to understand why Cairns should be Australia’s northern aviation gateway,” Bennett added.
The conference also provided an immediate economic boost to the region, generating 1,020 visitor nights and an estimated A$1.2m (US$780,000) direct spend across the three-day programme. Many summit delegates took the opportunity to stay longer and explore the two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Wet Tropics rainforest after the event.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said: “Our region is poised to become the primary gateway to Northern Australia. Hosting CAPA in Cairns presented invaluable industry and business opportunities as we continue this exciting growth trajectory.”
Cairns Convention Centre general manager Janet Hamilton said the Centre’s team was proud to have the Centre serve as a hub for collaboration and connection among global aviation leaders. “This prestigious event was a natural fit for our city and our Centre, especially as aviation connectivity and innovation remain top priorities for our clients and delegates,” she said.
The summit came a week after the Developing Northern Australia Conference was held at the Cairns Convention Centre bringing more than 400 delegates and speakers from across the Asia Pacific region.
Cairns Airport currently connects the region to key international routes with direct flights to Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, and Indonesia, driving the region’s tourism industry, which supports one in six jobs in Tropical North Queensland. In the 12 months to June 2025, Cairns Airport serviced 4.9m passengers.
The airport secured the summit supported by the Queensland government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
