Thousands more travellers will be able to fly directly between two Queensland holiday destinations.
Jetstar announced on Wednesday that it will extend its Sunshine Coast-Cairns service until October, 2027.
The extension will add more than 34,000 seats to the route, which was originally scheduled to operate until March.
The seasonal service, which launched in late 2024, operates up to four return flights each week and is the only direct service between the two locations.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills said the extension would give locals and visitors greater choice when travelling between two of Queensland’s leading tourism destinations.
“Direct flights like this are incredibly valuable to our region, making it easier for people to travel for holidays, visit friends and family, and connect with other parts of Queensland,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast and tropical North Queensland are both major tourism destinations, and having a direct link between them means travellers can spend less time connecting through other airports and more time enjoying their destination.
“The extension of this service is a strong vote of confidence in the demand for direct travel between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, and we’re pleased to see Jetstar continuing to invest in the route.”
The service also provides a convenient connection for visitors from North Queensland looking to experience the Sunshine Coast, including its beaches, hinterland, events and growing range of tourism experiences.
It comes as Jetstar prepares to suspend its Sunshine Coast-Auckland service, which has underperformed.
Jetstar executive manager commercial Scott Zeglin said Queensland was an important market for the airline.
“Queensland is an important market for Jetstar and connecting regional centres across the state is a core part of our domestic network,” he said.
“Extending our Cairns to Sunshine Coast route to October next year means more customers can visit family and friends or take a holiday with our low fares.”
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The service will be temporarily suspended during the off-peak period between October and December, while flights will also pause during February and early March, returning three times a week from March 30.
Flights between the two locations will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, from the Sunshine Coast at 2.20pm and from Cairns at midday.
Fares start from $94 one way. To celebrate, Sunshine Coast Airport is also offering a 30 percent discount on parking right across the airport with no stay restrictions for arrivals and exists between April 12 and September 15, 2027. The offer is active for bookings made between now until October 7, using the discount code: CAIRNS.
