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Cheap flights from South Africa to Cairns from R16 149

This is the cheapest retur flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 24/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
JNB — CNS
Jan 5 — Jan 121
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Cheap flight deals from South Africa to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Best flights from South Africa to Cairns
Discover carefully curated flight deals from South Africa to Cairns that have cost, travel time, and stopovers in mind to ensure you get the best travel experience. Data last updated 6 December 2025.

Sun 24/511:20JNB - CNS
2 stops64h 30mCathay Pacific
Wed 27/515:35CNS - JNB
2 stops48h 05mCathay Pacific
Deal found 3/12R16 149
Sun 24/513:45JNB - CNS
1 stop19h 15mSingapore Airlines
Wed 27/518:15CNS - JNB
1 stop19h 55mSingapore Airlines
Deal found 3/12R19 775
Sun 24/522:30JNB - CNS
2 stops30h 25mQantas Airways
Wed 27/56:45CNS - JNB
1 stop41h 40mQantas Airways
Deal found 3/12R21 487
Mon 19/19:50JNB - CNS
3 stops35h 35mMultiple Airlines
Mon 26/16:00CNS - JNB
3 stops41h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 5/12R32 501
Sun 1/311:00JNB - CNS
2 stops37h 35mCathay Pacific
Tue 3/311:35CNS - JNB
2 stops51h 50mCathay Pacific
Deal found 4/12R16 911
Mon 19/119:55JNB - CNS
1 stop37h 25mSingapore Airlines
Mon 26/118:35CNS - JNB
1 stop32h 00mSingapore Airlines
Deal found 5/12R21 182
Sun 1/321:55JNB - CNS
2 stops29h 55mQantas Airways
Tue 3/318:05CNS - JNB
1 stop28h 55mQantas Airways
Deal found 4/12R21 520
Mon 19/111:00JNB - CNS
2 stops45h 50mCathay Pacific
Mon 26/111:35CNS - JNB
2 stops51h 50mCathay Pacific
Deal found 5/12R27 824

Find flight deals from South Africa to Cairns

Keep the following information in mind while searching for South Africa to Cairns flight deals. Data was last updated 6 December 2025.

Round-trip from

R16 081

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

October

Average price

R23 198
Cathay Pacific
  • Cathay Pacific
  • 24/5-27/5
  • 4 total stops
  • 112h 35m total
  • South Africa to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 14% potential increase in price (R50 449 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease (R8 554 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in December 2025
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from South Africa to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 594 507 searches. Data last updated 6 December 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from South Africa to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

South Africa

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 24/5

11:20-11:50

2 stops64h 30m

Cairns

Wed 27/5

15:35-7:40

2 stops48h 05m

R16 149

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 1/3

11:00-8:35

2 stops37h 35m

Cairns

Tue 3/3

11:35-7:25

2 stops51h 50m

R16 911

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 24/5

13:45-17:00

1 stop19h 15m

Cairns

Wed 27/5

18:15-6:10

1 stop19h 55m

R19 775

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 19/1

19:55-17:20

1 stop37h 25m

Cairns

Mon 26/1

18:35-18:35

1 stop32h 00m

R21 182

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 24/5

22:30-12:55

2 stops30h 25m

Cairns

Wed 27/5

6:45-16:25

1 stop41h 40m

R21 487

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 1/3

21:55-11:50

2 stops29h 55m

Cairns

Tue 3/3

18:05-15:00

1 stop28h 55m

R21 520

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 19/1

11:00-16:50

2 stops45h 50m

Cairns

Mon 26/1

11:35-7:25

2 stops51h 50m

R27 824

JohannesburgCairns

JNB - CNS

JNBCNS

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 19/1

9:50-5:25

3 stops35h 35m

Cairns

Mon 26/1

6:00-15:35

3 stops41h 35m

R32 501

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 3/12

Best time to book a flight from South Africa to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from South Africa with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from South Africa to Cairns

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to Cairns?

Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Africa to Cairns (average of R11 370). Flying from South Africa to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of R17 657). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from ZA to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from South Africa to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 6 December 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from South Africa to Cairns at midday. By choosing this option you can save up to 9% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 6 December 2025.
Check out reviews from past customers who have flown with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, andQantas Airways from South Africa to Cairns to help guide your decision. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 411 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Food

7,8

Overall

8,1

Entertainment

8,0

Crew

8,6

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,Jul 2025

DAD - SIN

Person in front laid back his seat. I’m quite tall found it difficult to sit straight lucky seat next to me was empty was able to stretch my legs. Eating my meal was difficult also as seat remained lowered
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 411 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 411 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Food

7,8

Overall

8,1

Entertainment

8,0

Crew

8,6

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,Jul 2025

DAD - SIN

Person in front laid back his seat. I’m quite tall found it difficult to sit straight lucky seat next to me was empty was able to stretch my legs. Eating my meal was difficult also as seat remained lowered
Cathay Pacific
7,6
Good
1 085 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 411 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Food

7,8

Overall

8,1

Entertainment

8,0

Crew

8,6

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,Jul 2025

DAD - SIN

Person in front laid back his seat. I’m quite tall found it difficult to sit straight lucky seat next to me was empty was able to stretch my legs. Eating my meal was difficult also as seat remained lowered
Qantas Airways
7,5
Good
948 reviews
Singapore Airlines
8,1
Very Good
1 411 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

8,0

Boarding

8,3

Food

7,8

Overall

8,1

Entertainment

8,0

Crew

8,6

Reviews

1 / 20
10,0
Excellent

Anonymous,Jul 2025

DAD - SIN

Person in front laid back his seat. I’m quite tall found it difficult to sit straight lucky seat next to me was empty was able to stretch my legs. Eating my meal was difficult also as seat remained lowered

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from South Africa to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from South Africa?

    For a flight from South Africa to Cairns, you will be flying into Cairns. Cairns (CNS) is just 4,4 km from the centre of the city.

  • How long is the flight from South Africa to Cairns?

    Airlines like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines fly from South Africa to Cairns in about 19h 15m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 45h 15m. The distance from South Africa to Cairns is about 11734 km. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • Can I find deals for flights from South Africa to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on South Africa to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from South Africa to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from South Africa to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from South Africa to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from South Africa to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from South Africa to Cairns?

    Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from South Africa to Cairns (average of R11 370). Flying from South Africa to Cairns in December is currently the most expensive (average of R17 657). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

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Alternative routes for South Africa to Cairns

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
OR Tambo to Brisbane flights
Cape Town to Brisbane flights
OR Tambo to Cairns flights

Top 3 airlines flying from South Africa to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from South Africa to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 594 507 searches. Data last updated 6 December 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Singapore AirlinesCheapestR12 290AverageR18 755FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time81%
Search Singapore Airlines flights
Cathay PacificCheapestR14 443AverageR16 153FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time72%
Search Cathay Pacific flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapestR16 026AverageR19 995FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from South Africa to Cairns?

Cheapflights helps you search for flights from South Africa to Cairns via 900+ travel sites so you don’t have to. After performing a flight search, users can also filter their flight selection by filtering for price, number of stops, airlines, and so on.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from South Africa to Cairns?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights from South Africa to Cairns by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and put it in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

Can Cheapflights find flights from South Africa to Cairns with no change fees?

Need flexible booking options for your flight to Cairns from South Africa? Don’t worry, Cheapflights have you covered. Use our search filter to only show flights with no change fees.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from South Africa to Cairns become cheaper?

Of course! You can now track prices for flights from South Africa to Cairns and get an alert from Cheapflights when they change. Have a valid email address ready and click the bell icon next to the flight deals above to set up your price alerts.

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