Flights between Hervey Bay and Melbourne hailed huge success

Six months after direct flights began between Hervey Bay and Melbourne, the service has been hailed a great success, with more than 90% occupancy on all flights, and there could be a push for more destinations in 2025.

Jetstar flights from Hervey Bay to Melbourne have proven to be a huge success.

Six months after the first direct flight from Melbourne landed in Hervey Bay, the new route has been hailed a huge success.

And the impressive numbers taking advantage of it could see the council pushing for additional services in the future, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said on Wednesday.

He said there had been interest in offering a service from an airline in Adelaide.

The council is also pushing to expand the existing services at the airport.

“The Melbourne flights, which started on June 20, 2024, have been performing exceptionally well, with average seat occupancy over 92 per cent,” Mr Seymour said.

“The service is proving popular with locals visiting family and friends, while also attracting more tourists from Victoria.

“Hervey Bay Airport has seen a 38 per cent increase in passengers from 2023 to 2024, driven by both visitors and locals.

Jetstar flights from Hervey Bay to Melbourne have proven to be a huge success.

“This growth is boosting tourism and bringing economic benefits to the region.

“It’s opening the door for more people to discover the world-heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Lady Elliot Island, the best whale watching in the world, and the many other fantastic attractions and experiences the Fraser Coast has to offer.”

Mr Seymour said the popularity of the Melbourne flights was a positive sign for the region.

“I think the success of the Melbourne flights has shown the attractiveness of us as a destination as well as the desire of locals to travel.”

Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott said it was a great chance for more people to discover the region.

“The success of Melbourne flights into the Fraser Coast has been fantastic, with strong community support and visitors from Melbourne sharing how much they’ve enjoyed discovering our region - it’s truly added another jewel to our crown,” he said.

The three-per-week service carries up to 1100 customers each week between the two cities.

A huge sale held when the new service was announced ensured initial flights would be sold out.

Jetstar also operates four flights per week between Sydney and Hervey Bay.

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Originally published as Flights between Hervey Bay and Melbourne hailed huge success