$99 flights: Qantas, Virgin drop huge sales

Qantas and Virgin are offering discounted seats on dozens of domestic and international routes, as Australia’s airline price wars take a new turn.

Aussie airfare wars have ramped up again as Qantas and Virgin launch sales on the same day offering discounted domestic and international flights – with fares starting from as low as $99 one way.

From Monday the two airline giants launched sales, with Qantas offering cheaper fares on flights across more than 30 routes to Queensland destinations and Virgin lowering its prices on flights to short haul international hotspots including Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and New Zealand.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have dropped sales on the same day. Picture: AFP

The Whitsunday coast is one of the destinations in Queensland included in Qantas’ sale. Picture: iStock

Qantas’ sale, in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ), gave Aussies the chance to snap up economy fares from $99 one way from Sydney to Gold Coast and Brisbane to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast).

“Queensland destinations are among the most popular on our network each year, with the state’s stunning coastline and mix of adventure, entertainment and leisure making it a firm favourite for family holidays and long weekend getaways,” Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said

“We’re proud to be working with Tourism Events Queensland to help drive more visitors back to the region after the recent weather events.”

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson welcomed the Qantas sale to help boost for tourism across the state following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

One person died as the cyclone damaged thousands of homes and businesses with electricity outages hitting record levels, peaking at more than 300,000 across both Queensland and NSW.

“It’s fantastic to see such great sale fares stretching right across Queensland, from iconic coastal locations to vibrant cities and stunning country regions. Ours is a vast and diverse state, and there’s something here for every kind of traveller,” Mr Davidson said.

“We’re also thrilled to see Longreach on the list, it’s an iconic outback destination and a great base for discovering more of the region.”

Tropical Cyclone Alfred damaged thousands of homes and businesses in Queensland. Picture: Andrew Potts

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia’s sale offered discounts of up to 30 per cent off with popular international routes including Melbourne to Queenstown costing $459, as well as Sydney to Queenstown (from $489), Melbourne to Denpasar (from $489) and Gold Coast to Denpasar (from $489).

Virgin Australia Executive Libby Minogue said the sale came at the perfect time as Aussies look for a sunny getaway to escape the onset of chilly autumn weather.

“Whether they are craving a relaxing beach escape or an action-packed adventure, now is the time to lock it in. With fares from just $449 return, these are some of our best international offers yet,” she said.

Virgin’s sale fares are available to book from today until midnight AEST Wednesday April 16, 2025 on select flights for travel between April 30, 2025 and March 12, 2026 (unless sold out prior).

Meanwhile, Qantas fares are for selected dates between May 19 and December 10, 2025, available until 11.59pm (AEST) April 16, 2025, unless sold out prior.

Virgin also has early fare prices up for grabs across its domestic network, with Sydney to Ballina Byron costing just $60 one-way with economy.

Originally published as $99 flights: Qantas, Virgin drop huge sales