Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport low-cost flights take step forward after Bonza receives approval from CASA

After nearly a year of anticipation, flights to and from Toowoomba as cheap as $50 could soon be possible after a new airline revealed a major development.

Cheap flights in and out of Toowoomba will soon be a reality, after burgeoning low-cost carrier Bonza received a key approval to get planes in the air.

The country’s newest airline this week received its air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), paving the way for Bonza to start issuing its first flights soon.

It comes nearly a full year after Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport was revealed as a key port for the carrier, which will focus on regional destinations currently under-serviced by other operators.

John Wagner, Wagner Corporation Chairman and Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza. Announcement of Bonza airlines flying from Wellcamp Airport. Friday, February 18, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Toowoomba residents will be able to fly to Melbourne, Townsville and the Whitsundays via Bonza, with planes to the Garden City to be based out of Melbourne.

“This is a historic moment for Australian aviation as we get ready to launch the first high capacity airline in more than 15 years, and the country’s only independent low cost carrier,” said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.

“The excitement for what we are about to deliver is palpable and the timing couldn’t be better.

“Demand for domestic travel is high and Aussies deserve for travel to be a basic right for many, not a luxury for the few.

“With the approval from CASA, 2023 is set to be the year of seeing more of your own backyard for less.

“I’d like to thank our team of legends who have worked very hard to achieve today’s milestone working alongside CASA who do incredibly important work regulating Australian aviation.”

Bonza will soon go on sale with its Sunshine Coast base followed by its Melbourne base.

A spokeswoman for Bonza couldn’t confirm when tickets would be available, but noted the airline’s app and selected local travel agencies would be the only ways to secure seats.

A spokesman for Wellcamp Airport said it had been working closely with Bonza for several months to prepare for flight.

"This milestone marks a significant step forward for regional aviation in Australia and we couldn't be more excited for them," he said.

"Regional Australia can expect more options and improved services as a result.

"We have been working closely with Bonza over the past months in preparation for their commencement of services from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and will now be able make firmer plans now that they have their Air Operators Certificate.”