Adelaide Airport is the best airport in Australia, say those in the know.

It was named the Capital City Airport of the Year at the Australian Aviation Industry Awards in Cairns on October 17.

Australian Airports Association chief executive Ken Keech said: "It has been the only piece of major airport infrastructure that has been built and developed in any capital city in the past 10 years. It is a terrific gateway for Adelaide and South Australia.

"It is new, environmentally friendly and... they were able to adapt the plans to take advantage of new technology. The fact that it won speaks for itself."

The opening of the AU$260 million terminal was delayed for almost four months because of a fuel system problem.

Adelaide Airport Limited's managing director Phil Baker was presented with the award by Australian Airports Association's chairman John McArdle.

Mildura Airport was rated the best rural airport in Australia.