$159 Cheap Flights from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS)

View $159 flight on Tue, Jun 9, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Mackay, QLD (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)

Cheap Flights from Mackay to Cairns (MKY-CNS)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $159 for one-way flights and $342 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Virgin Australia
Tue, Dec 2 - Mon, Dec 8
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$342 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, Dec 2 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Mon, Dec 8, priced at $342 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 9
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$346 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$346
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, Dec 8 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Tue, Dec 9, priced at $346 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Sun, Nov 2 - Sun, Nov 16
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$351 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$351
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sun, Nov 2 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Sun, Nov 16, priced at $351 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Tue, Nov 18 - Thu, Dec 4
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$367 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$367
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Tue, Nov 18 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Thu, Dec 4, priced at $367 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Sat, Dec 6 - Tue, Dec 9
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$371 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$371
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sat, Dec 6 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Tue, Dec 9, priced at $371 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Sun, Dec 7 - Wed, Dec 10
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$373 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$373
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sun, Dec 7 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Wed, Dec 10, priced at $373 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Sun, Nov 9 - Sun, Nov 23
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$376 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$376
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Sun, Nov 9 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Sun, Nov 23, priced at $376 found 1 day ago
Virgin Australia
Mon, Dec 8 - Wed, Dec 10
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$378 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$378
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Virgin Australia flight, departing Mon, Dec 8 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Wed, Dec 10, priced at $378 found 1 day ago
Jetstar
Mon, Dec 8 - Wed, Dec 10
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$380 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$380
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Jetstar flight, departing Mon, Dec 8 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Wed, Dec 10, priced at $380 found 1 day ago
Qantas Airways
Sat, Dec 6 - Mon, Dec 8
MKY
Mackay
CNS
Cairns
$384 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$384
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Qantas Airways flight, departing Sat, Dec 6 from Mackay to Cairns, returning Mon, Dec 8, priced at $384 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Cairns

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Cairns Intl. CNS. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 8 minutes. Flights from $468
CNS
Cairns Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center8 min
Flights from $468
Flights from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS)
Origin airport
Mackay
Destination airport
Cairns Intl.
Airlines serving
Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia
Roundtrip price
$341
Distance
371 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 25 mins

Mackay to Cairns Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Mackay to Cairns

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Mackay to Cairns are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Mackay to Cairns with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Mackay to Cairns

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Mackay to Cairns: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Mackay to Cairns

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Mackay to Cairns in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $159 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Mackay to Cairns flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Mackay to Cairns airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) cost?
Snag a cheap one-way flight from $159 or cheap return flight from $342 from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest flight offers on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
Planning your getaway for December is a good way to save, as it's the cheapest month for flights between MKY and CNS. You'll usually find the lowest fares during the off-season.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To find the cheapest airline that'll fly you from MKY to CNS, use Expedia's filter tool. Customize your search based on what matters most to you, such as preferred carriers and seat class. You can then sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to discover the cheapest flight right away.
How many flights per day from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
There are no daily direct flights from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS). But you can opt for flights with layovers. Filter your search results on Expedia to include one or more stops, and you'll be on your way in no time.
What day of the week has the most flights from MKY to CNS?
Generally you'll find the largest variety of flight choices on a Friday. Tuesdays are often the quietest.* However, this can vary based on the season, carrier and other factors.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
To avoid possible delays on the Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) route, aim to travel before 3 PM. Later departures are 22% more likely to be canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) last-minute?
Booking your ticket from MKY to CNS shortly before your getaway is typically more expensive. However, if there's some wiggle room with your schedule, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a MKY to CNS flight and hotel package?
Compared with arranging hotels and flights separately, booking a MKY to CNS flight and hotel package with Expedia could lead to significant savings. Better still, having everything in one place will take the hassle out of travel planning. Just secure your flights and choose from our extensive range of hotels, then customize your trip with extras like tours, activities and car rentals.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Mackay Airport (MKY) to Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)?
In most instances, you can modify or cancel your MKY to CNS flight. However, there may be additional fees, especially if you made your booking over 24 hours ago. Double-check your itinerary for the airline's fees and policies on flight changes, or if you want more details, visit our Customer Service portal.

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*Available to One Key members.