Qantas joins well-beaten path to Byron Bay

For the first time in 15 years, Qantas will operate flights to Ballina in northern NSW.

The Flying Kangaroo will soon return to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

For the first time in 15 years, Qantas will operate flights to Ballina in northern NSW to meet booming demand for travel to the region, which includes the tourism hot spot of Byron Bay.

From March 29, Qantas will undertake daily return flights between Ballina and Sydney, with a morning departure from the regional centre and an evening return. A 50-seat Q300 aircraft will be used on the route, adding more than 36,000 seats a year.

More than two million people visited Byron Bay in the past year, with the town attracting global attention thanks to high-profile residents such as Chris Hemsworth and Bernard Fanning.

The enormous interest even earned the region a mention on the world’s “overtourism” list, due to the large number of visitors and small local population of 15,000 residents.

Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said the new flights would give travellers more choice.

“Byron Bay continues to be an incredibly popular destination for holiday-makers of all types,” Mr David said.

“We’ve seen more and more luxury hotels established in recent years and we think it’s the right time for Qantas to again fly directly to Ballina.”

He said frequent flyers had been asking for the flights for some time, and they would be able to enjoy the benefits of the premium service offered by Qantas, including lounge access in Sydney.

Jetstar also operates flights between Sydney and Ballina, along with Virgin Australia and Regional Express.

The renewed service by Qantas was welcomed by NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres as a “fantastic opportunity for visitors to enjoy one of the state’s most popular regions”.

“NSW’s far north coast offers incredible beaches, world-class produce and seafood, and a lifestyle that is the envy of many, so it’s great that Qantas is making it even easier for visitors to explore Ballina and beyond,” Mr Ayres said.

“Now is the perfect time to escape the city and support regional NSW by staying local and buying local, giving the tourism industry in these communities a welcome boost.” To mark the launch of the flights, Qantas is offering special fares of $115 one way between Ballina and Sydney for travel between March 29 and October 25.

Bookings must be made by January 23.