Albury Airport: QANTAS flights to Albury boost region’s tourism sector

A major airline has announced it will commence flights between Albury and two of the country’s capital cities.

QANTAS will be flying between Albury and Brisbane during the 2021 snow season. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Albury’s tourism sector will receive a boost this ski season, with Qantas launching flights from Brisbane to Albury.
From July 1 to September 26, Queenslanders will be able to fly to Albury to enjoy the snow, while Albury locals will be able to escape the cold weather and fly to Brisbane.

The airline will fly too and from Albury and Brisbane on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in a Q400 aircraft.

The direct flights will provide more than 5700 seats on the winter route.

Qantas plans to work with the ski resorts and transport operators to promote the flights to its frequent flyers, with fares starting from $239 one-way.

The airline will also start direct flights from Albury to Melbourne at the end of March.

Albury City Mayor Kevin Mack said it was great news for the region’s tourism sector.

“We’re very excited to be welcoming this new service from Qantas at a time when our tourism businesses are recovering from the effects of Covid,” Cr Mack said.

“So having this new direct link into the important Queensland market will put smiles on lots of faces.”

The council will work with Qantas to promote the new service alongside those already offered by the airline and the airport’s other major partner, Rex.

“It’s a three-year arrangement at this point, and we’re looking at extending flights beyond the ski season if the numbers are there,” Cr Mack said.

“We will welcome Virgin Alliance back when they do return.

“I think the more competition we have in the market the more affordable it becomes for all Australians to travel regional.”

Cr Mack said the council was “really pleased” to be able to work with Qantas to bring the new service to the airport, which is the region’s “aerial gateway to the ski fields.”

“As we’re an easy drive to the major north east resorts, flights direct to Albury will have our Queensland visitors on the slopes soon after landing, which is great news as we all work together to rebuild our visitor economy,” he said.
“Increased visitation to our alpine resorts is good news for everyone, with the flow-on economic benefits to be felt by business and tourism operators across a wide spectrum of the sector.”

Cr Mack urged the local community to support the new service.

“Our community is already well served by existing air services and we know that Albury-Brisbane flights have been well received by regional residents in the past,” he said.

“Whether locals are using the service to enjoy some Queensland sunshine in winter, or to welcome visitors flying in from Queensland, it will be fantastic to see the new routes well patronised as we continually work to expand and improve the air links between Albury and the world.”