More than 4000 people a month are expected to make the most of new flights between two of Queensland’s most popular holiday destinations.
Jetstar will offer a direct link between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, starting from December 3.
The low-cost carrier will operate up to four weekly services using its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
The announcement comes just days after the airline announced year-round flights between the Coast and Auckland would begin in December.
Low-cost carrier Bonza was previously servicing the route between Cairns and the Sunshine Coast, before it went into administration in April.
Jetstar executive manager, customer, Jenn Armor said the new flights were expected to be well utilised.
“These new flights are expected to be popular with both interstate and overseas tourists wanting to explore more of Queensland and locals taking off on holiday or reconnecting with family and friends,” she said.
“We’re proud to be supporting tourism in both coastal cities and we thank Sunshine Coast airport for their continued support of low fares travel.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the new service would once again connect the two great regions.
“We are excited to partner with Jetstar on this new Cairns service. It’s great for locals, and great for tourism,” he said.
“Cairns locals will be able to fly directly to the Sunshine Coast and connect with loved ones, or relax on holiday and experience our incredible beaches, hinterland and one of a kind restaurants and breweries.
“These flights will also unlock tropical far north Queensland, with a short flight giving Coast locals access to the Daintree, Great Barrier Reef and Asia through Cairns’ international connections.”
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the new service would entice more people to visit both Cairns and the Sunshine Coast, when they otherwise may have had to choose one.
“Both regions are rich in natural attractions and world-class tourism offerings, but they’re also uniquely different,” he said.
“The launch of these flights means locals and holidaymakers can experience the best of both destinations with easy non-stop travel and for an affordable price.”
“It’s also ideal that this new service is commencing at the start of the summer school holidays and in the lead up to the festive season, when many people are keen to travel to visit loved ones or take a well-deserved break.”
Flight schedule
From Tuesday, December 3 to 12 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays)
- Cairns to Sunshine Coast, depart 4pm, arrive 6.05pm
- Sunshine Coast to Cairns, depart 6.45pm, arrive 9.05pm
From December 15 to January 27 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
- Cairns to Sunshine Coast, depart 6.45am, arrive 8.50am
- Sunshine Coast to Cairns, depart 9.25am, arrive 11.45am
From January 30 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays)
- Cairns to Sunshine Coast, depart 4pm, arrive 6.05pm
- Sunshine Coast to Cairns, depart 6.45pm, arrive 9.05pm
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