Flights from Tokyo to Cairns on sale

Flights from a major international destination into Cairns are now on sale, with daily full service flights soon to begin operating on the route.

Virgin flights from Tokyo to Cairns went on sale on February 28, with daily flights soon to begin operating on the route.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Cairns was the closest gateway to Australia from Japan with a one hour time difference.

State MP for Cairns Michael Healy said an estimated 30,000 visitors were predicted over 12 months, injecting $70m into the local economy.

State MP for Cairns Michael Healy said direct flights from Tokyo would inject $70m a year into the local economy. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

“Getting these airlines back on is important, getting these visitors back – they spend more, they have a wonderful time and they go home and talk to lots of people,” Mr Healy said.

“This is fantastic news for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland tourism operators as we continue to rebuild our international visitor economy.”

Virgin Australia’s year-round, daily services from Tokyo-Haneda take off from June 28.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was part of the government’s $200m “aviation war chest” fast-tracking direct international flights to Queensland destinations.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said it was a highly significant development.

“Data shows us that large numbers of Japanese tourists visit Cairns when a full-service carrier, like Virgin Australia, offers direct flights to Tokyo-Haneda,” Mr Barker said.

“We have not had these services in Cairns for more than 10 years.”

Originally published as Flights from Tokyo to Cairns on sale