Cairns Airport's domestic terminal will be future-proofed to accommodate increasing passenger traffic under a $55 million redevelopment plan set to begin in August.

The project will create more than 300 jobs during construction and a further 150 permanent jobs once operational. The redevelopment is due to be completed by 2020. 

Cairns Airport CEO Norris Carter said the multi-million dollar transformation would create a "world-class airport experience" for travellers, with domestic terminal traffic expected to grow by 40% over the next decade, equating to around six million passengers a year.

The plan will expand the domestic terminal footprint to 10,000 square metres, with the departures hall boasting additional seating and passengers enjoying easier navigation of the terminal. A range of extra food and beverage and retail offerings will also be added.

“In the last year we’ve announced new international flights and an upgrade of the food and beverage options in the international terminal. Now it’s the domestic terminal’s turn,” Mr Carter said.

“With this upgrade we are aiming to take customer experience to new heights from touch down to take off. We want our customers to arrive excited and depart delighted.”

Chief Commercial Officer Tracey Groves said feedback showed passengers value new and innovative

shopping and dining experiences as an important part of their journey.

“The importance of food, beverage and high-quality retail offerings as an overall part of the travel experience cannot be underestimated,” Ms Groves said.

“We want to give departing passengers one last chance to experience the best of the diverse and exciting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland foodie scene, showcasing the wonderful local produce from the region in our menus.”

Cairns Airport is the seventh busiest by passenger movements in Australia, and the second busiest regional centre behind the Gold Coast. Work on the redevelopment is expected to commence in August with completion set for 2020.