New daily domestic route about to take off from Avalon

Jetstar is about to launch a new daily domestic route from Avalon in a big boost to the airport and region.

Jetstar is launching return flights from Avalon Airport to Brisbane from June 28.

Avalon Airport has announced a much-anticipated expansion of its domestic offerings, with Jetstar to launch daily return flights to Brisbane.

From June 28, it will be the low-cost carrier’s third destination from Avalon, joining Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully said the announcement was an exciting milestone as it marked the airline’s 100th domestic route.

It also comes as new figures show domestic tourism expenditure in the Geelong region has jumped 72 per cent since 2019.

“Creating a direct link between Avalon and Brisbane will provide even more options for Victorians wanting to travel to Queensland at an affordable price, as well as boost tourism to the beautiful Surf Coast region,” Ms Tully said.

“The launch of flights between Avalon and Brisbane marks the first time in our history we’ve operated 100 domestic routes, which has been made possible by the introduction of our new state-of-the-art NEO aircraft into our fleet.”

Jetstar will fly its A320 on the Avalon-Brisbane route.

The announcement comes after Avalon’s owners last year said the addition of more routes was imminent.

Avalon’s executive chair David Fox said the new service reinforced the strength of the airport’s relationship with Jetstar.

“For us this is more than just a new route – it’s a step towards more opportunities for our passengers and a commitment to opening up more routes for travellers,” he said.

Jetstar previously flew the route, but flights stopped in April 2014.

Ms Tully said demand was stronger than ever as the airline continued to invest in new aircraft and new routes.

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins said the Victorian government would continue to support the expansion of flights to Avalon.

“We are working closely with Avalon to help attract more flights to Victoria’s second-busiest passenger airport, which has flow-on effects for tourism, education, business and trade across our state,” Ms Hutchins said.

State minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos said “there’s never been a better time to visit the Geelong region and Victoria”.

“With the launch of these new flights ensuring even more of our northern neighbours can experience our beautiful state.”

To mark the occasion, Jetstar is holding a 12-hour sale from 12pm Wednesday that will offer one-way fares between Avalon and Brisbane from $49.

From June 28 to October 5, the daily flights will depart Avalon at 3pm, arriving in Brisbane at 6.20pm.

From October 6, the flight will depart Avalon at 8.30pm.

Industry data released last week showed 76.1 per cent of Jetstar flights nationally arrived on time in February, and 74.3 per cent departed on schedule.

Originally published as New daily domestic route about to take off from Avalon