Virgin launches new Adelaide to Sunshine Coast flights to boost tourism

Year-round flights to the Sunshine Coast from a Covid-safe city will be restarted to give the tourism industry a well-deserved ‘shot in the arm’.

Permanent and seasonal flights to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Cairns have been secured by the state government in an effort to improve the “struggling” tourism industry.

The Virgin Australia flights from Covid-safe destinations will launch from December and add an extra 146,834 seats, along with supporting almost 420 jobs in Queensland.

For the Sunshine Coast, this means the year-round Adelaide to Sunshine Coast service would be restarted.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state’s support for new air services would inject $53.7 million into struggling tourism businesses.

“These flights will help to generate more revenue for our industry and support struggling businesses to make it through the pandemic,” the Premier said.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie, said he was “thrilled” Virgin had decided to commence the Adelaide to Sunshine Coast route.

“We’re looking forward to connecting more passengers between Sunshine Coast and Adelaide each week, and Virgin’s decision to fly the route year-round is a strong vote of confidence in our region,” Mr Brodie said.

Mr Brodie said the services will provide more choice and frequency for passengers, and allow the Sunshine Coast to emerge strongly from the effects of Covid.

“The introduction of services will cater to the significant pent up travel demand from travellers keen to explore the appeal of our beaches, hinterland and fresh produce in both peak and shoulder holiday seasons,” he said.

Duncan Christie and wife Yvonne from the Sunshine Coast came to Adelaide to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2020. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

According to Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, the flights would serve as an incentive for prospective tourists to book a holiday in Queensland.

“We know after a long winter, South Australians and Tasmanians crave a holiday in the tropical sun,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland offers so much for holiday-makers from our laid-back beach lifestyle, beautiful hinterland drives, exceptional culinary experiences to our adrenaline-pumping theme parks.”

Virgin Australia’s chief transformation officer Alistair Hartley said the new services would be a “shot in the arm” for southeast Queensland’s coastal communities.

“This is about connecting people with loved ones, helping people make the most of the holiday period, and, importantly, supporting local Queensland businesses who have been doing it tough,” Mr Hartley said.

The services have sale fares available from $79 one way and will carry more than 25,000 passengers a month.