Cairns Airport has brought in a top dog to help passengers keep their cool. Ace, a golden retriever therapy dog, will visit the airport once a month with handler Linda Mair from the Canine Training School. His job is simple: provide comfort, ease anxiety, and look adorable.
Ace is trained to bring calm to busy and stressful environments.
“Ace and I regularly visit the Cairns Hospital, where we provide support and brighten people’s day. We also work with people in respite care, and in early education settings,” Mair said.
His training focuses on calm behaviour, responding gently to strangers, and remaining steady in noisy, unpredictable environments — all skills that translate neatly to the airport terminal.
Why Cairns Airport is adding a therapy dog
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said Ace’s arrival reflects the airport’s focus on accessibility — and yes, it means ‘Barker’ now has a dog on staff.
“Creating a compassionate and inclusive airport environment is one of our top priorities,” Barker said.
“Ace’s monthly visits will also complement our Hidden Disability Program, which provides discreet support for customers with ‘invisible’ conditions such as autism, dementia, anxiety, visual impairments, deaf or hard of hearing.
“Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable airport experience, and having Ace and Linda here is a fantastic way to bring extra joy to our customers’ journey.”
Airports worldwide are going to the dogs
Therapy animals are steadily becoming a fixture in airports around the world. In the United States, more than 30 airports now host therapy dog programs, including San Jose International Airport, which has one of the longest-running airport therapy animal programs. Denver International Airport’s CATS (Canine Airport Therapy Squad) boasts over 80 therapy dogs, making it the largest program of its kind.
In Australia, Brisbane Airport launched therapy dogs in 2023 and quickly expanded the program to international terminals due to positive passenger response. Adelaide Airport has Elmo, a facility dog specifically trained to support travellers with hidden disabilities. Cairns Airport’s partnership with Ace brings the Far North into this growing global movement, where therapy dogs are no longer a novelty but part of mainstream passenger care.
The Hidden Disability Program
Cairns Airport joined the global sunflower lanyard scheme in 2022, now adopted by more than 200 airports. The lanyard discreetly signals that a traveller may need extra support, whether that means more time at security, clearer communication or access to quieter areas.
Ace’s monthly visits add visibility to the program. For travellers, it’s a friendly face that reinforces the airport’s accessibility measures. For agents, it’s a practical reassurance that Cairns is aligning with international standards while also offering a uniquely approachable touchpoint.
Why accessibility matters to the trade
Accessibility is no longer an optional add-on. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travellers with accessibility needs represent a rapidly growing segment, and inclusive practices directly influence destination choice.
For agents, Cairns’ commitment to accessibility is a useful story to share with clients. From the sunflower lanyard scheme to a golden retriever therapy dog, the airport is actively reducing travel stress, and that’s a strong value-add when positioning Cairns itineraries against other destinations.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Ace makes Cairns Airport’s accessibility focus visible and memorable. For agents, it’s a clear talking point to reassure travellers that Cairns is committed to inclusive and low-stress journeys.
