MiHaven is developing a $60 million accommodation complex at the Cairns Airport, with construction set to start by the end of the year.

The SkyHaven serviced apartments are being developed by MiHaven subsidiary Tropical Airport Accommodation on 10,046sq m of land within the airport’s business precinct.

With a projected opening in late 2026, MiHaven said the facility would include modern amenities, self-contained units, a cafe, gymnasium, conference and meeting facilities, swimming pools and easy access to airport terminals and associated facilities.

MiHaven proposes to develop the project in three stages, with Stage 1 and 2 comprising 183 self-contained studios, one and two-bedroom apartments to be developed immediately.

Stage 3 is planned to include purpose-built student accommodation with 200-plus beds servicing the needs of CQU’s airport-based pilot training school and Aviation Australia’s aviation engineering school.

The project will be developed and built by MiHaven – a Cairns-based B Corp social enterprise.

MiHaven said several aviation airport-based companies had committed to long-term agreements to secure units to accommodate aircraft engineers, pilots and other traveling contractors.

“This is not a build it and they will come project,” MiHaven director James Mort said.

“If anything, we will probably say why did we not build more at the time, given the overwhelming response we have received to date, before we could even make this project public.”

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Image at top of page: MiHaven director James and Sarah Mort with Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker. Below: Impressions of the planned $60 million facility.

Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the project would enable various local industries to grow their operations and strengthen the capabilities of key community providers, such as health services.

“We have heard from various organisations and sectors that there is a desperate need for more short-term worker accommodation in our region,” he said.

“This precinct has been strategically planned to assist businesses across Tropical North Queensland, including those based at Cairns Airport.

“A number of airport-based organisations need to fly in workers for vital aviation maintenance works and other services, but they are constrained by a lack of accommodation options.

“Providing short term accommodation at Cairns Airport will enable operators to house skilled workers for several nights, up to a number of months.

“We believe this development will assist greatly in alleviating the staffing pressures affecting many local organisations. MiHaven have an extensive and proven track record in this sector and we are thrilled to have them take the initiative to create and deliver this project.”

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