Stoush erupts over Cathay Pacific’s exit from Cairns

“While we accept the aviation industry is under pressure due to the hike in fuel costs, that’s why the Queensland Government has an Aviation [Attraction] Fund,” he said on Facebook.

“What the hell are they doing with that fund? We have not heard a thing or seen any leadership from the State Tourism Minister in this space, and what is the Assistant Minister for Tourism doing? What do we hear? Absolutely nothing.”

Cathay Pacific had resurrected its previous route to Cairns in 2024-25 after dropping it in 2019, with the service returning for a second season in 2025-26; however, the carrier this month said it had made the “difficult commercial decision” to suspend the route once again.

“We have a long history with Cairns and are grateful to Cairns Airport, our government and trade partners for their support over the past two years,” said Tom Kennedy, regional head of sales, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Cathay Pacific.

“Cathay Pacific regularly reviews its schedule and network to best align with market demand. We remain committed to the Australian market and will continue to offer direct services to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell defended the Crisafulli Government’s record, saying it has longer-term plans for Far North Queensland tourism.

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“Every route now being withdrawn from Cairns was secured under the former Labor Government’s aviation fund, and we are now seeing what happens as those short-term sugar hit arrangements run their course,” he told the Cairns Post.

“Unlike Labor who didn’t have a plan for FNQ tourism, the Crisafulli Government is working with airlines, airports and industry to deliver a strong aviation network that brings more visitors, supports local businesses and jobs, and helps grow the Tropical North Queensland economy for the long term.”

Healy, however, rubbished Powell’s statement, saying Cairns had “increasingly lost international connectivity” since the LNP government came to power.

“This is extremely damaging to our regional economy from an export perspective, a tourism perspective, and if the numbers aren’t coming, neither will the investors,” he said.

“We continue to lose international flights, while the same airline increases capacity to other destinations in Australia, like Adelaide.

“Our airport is an essential economic driver for our region, and the continual erosion of international flights will impact negatively on jobs, investment and our economy.”

In a statement, Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the airport is disappointed but “respects and understands this tough commercial decision by Cathay Pacific”.

“Airlines around the world are being impacted by volatility and uncertainty in global markets, particularly in relation to fuel,” he said.

“Cathay Pacific has operated seasonal services to Cairns for the previous two years. They are our valued partner, and we will continue to collaborate with them to explore future opportunities for our region.

“We are grateful this decision was made proactively, so passengers will not be disrupted and have time to make alternative travel plans.”

Cairns is currently served internationally by Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Fiji Airways, Jetstar, and Singapore Airlines.