Touchdown as vital southern tourist route reopens

A vital link between the Coast and a southern tourism market will reopen today with flights to Adelaide reinstated by major carrier Jetstar.

Jestar has restarted flights from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast. Photo Lachie Millard

A vital link between the Coast and a southern tourism market will reopen today with flights to Adelaide reinstated by major carrier Jetstar.

The service has been suspended since March as a result of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 but will resume today, with two services per week in the first month, before adding a third service from October onwards.

The State Government says that will equate to 360 inbound seats a week next month and 540 a week, pumping an extra $4.7 million per year into the local economy, while supporting up to 38 local jobs.

Airport operator hits back at $290m payment concerns

GROUNDED: Key service shuts down as border tightens again

‘Huge demand’: First flight north takes off

Jetstar has been marketing the flights since the start of August, offering one way tickets from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast from as low as $65.

Those sales have been on Fridays, with Jetstar potentially offering similar prices this Friday.

Jestar has restarted flights from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast. Photo Lachie Millard

Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Andrew Brodie said the restart of the Adelaide service was thanks to strong partnership with Jetstar and the State Government as well as tourism bodies Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism Noosa.

“With pent up travel demand remaining high, we expect Jetstar’s Adelaide service will be very popular with people seeking new horizons,” Mr Brodie said.

“We know that South Australians are craving warmer weather following a long winter, so the early recommencement of the service is fantastic news for the local tourism industry.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the government’s $15 million aviation recovery fund had allowed Sunshine Coast Airport to fast track the restart of the service.

“Direct flights are crucial to our tourism industry and will be vital to rebuilding our economy,” Ms Jones said.

“These flights are coming back on line at a crucial time for the tourism industry as we head into South Australian school holidays.”

It also comes ahead of the launch of the government’s Good To Go big book of Queensland travel ideas in South Australia, with 140,000 copies of a 48-page travel companion being distributed via the Adelaide Advertiser this weekend.

Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said his company’s research showed more than 80 per cent of customers planned to travel within the next 12 months.

“We know many South Australians are looking forward to spending some time in the warmer weather after a tough winter of restrictions,” Mr Evans said.

“Customers have snapped up our great low fares in the weeks leading up to our relaunch and we’re really pleased to help more people explore Queensland, enjoy the beach and spend time relaxing with family and friends.

“These services also help to bring more travellers to local hotels, restaurants and cafes – supporting regional businesses, increasing job opportunities and boosting the state economy. “The resumption of services means more of our people are flying, which is great news too.”

Originally published as