New direct flights from Brisbane to world’s fifth busiest airport

In a major coup for Queensland’s travel sector, Brisbane will soon be linked with direct flights to the world’s fifth busiest airport.

The world’s biggest airline is coming to Brisbane for the first time with direct flights to one of the planet’s biggest destinations in a coup for Queensland worth an estimated $133 million over the next three years.

In another sign that international travel is finally bursting from of the shackles of the coronavirus pandemic, American Airlines will start direct daily flights between Brisbane and the US metroplex of Dallas-Forth Worth – the world’s fifth busiest airport.

American Airlines will soon commence flights between Brisbane and Dallas. Picture: Supplied by Brisbane Airport Corporation

It will take the number of carriers offering direct links from Brisbane to North America to four, fuelling hopes the increased competition could drive down prices, which reached record highs in the months after the resumption of international travel.

The 13,300km journey – about 15 hours of flying time, will be the longest direct flight out of Brisbane and opens up the Sunshine State to hundreds of millions of Americans living in Texas and the eastern states of the US.

Qantas, United and Air Canada all fly to North American destinations, but none have direct flights to DFW, which has a catchment of eight million people in the metroplex area of Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth.

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Its geographic location at the centre of the USA also creates convenient links with the huge population bases of Florida and New York to the east.

Rich in cowboy culture and oil fortunes, Texas is one of America’s most fascinating regions, with historic landmarks including the Alamo and the site of the JFK assassination.

The Dallas Cowboys NFL team is a major drawcard in Texas. Picture: Supplied by MyVenue

The flights, to start on October 27, were secured through the State government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which has now supported the start or return of 28 services since Covid, delivering two million international seats and up to $1.75 billion in overnight visitor spending each year.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said it was “a massive win for Queensland tourism”.

“More international visitors spending more money in our economy and generating nearly 700 local jobs,” he said.

“It’s been a tough few months for tourism operators but this new flight promises better times ahead for them, our primary producer exporters and education providers.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Glenn Campbell (NCA NewsWire)

As well as being one of Queensland’s top five tourism markets, the US has also historically been one of our strongest for foreign students, until the pandemic and cancellation of most routes between Queensland and the US.

American Airlines Vice President of International Operations Jose Freig said the new flights would strengthen the venture’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

“With our new route and our partnership with Qantas, our customers in Brisbane will have access to our largest U.S. hub, from where they can connect to explore unexplored and much-loved destinations around the world,” he said.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the new partnership was “a milestone moment” with the deal locking in Brisbane 30th direct international destination – just short of the pre-Covid mark of 34.

“Its Dallas Fort Worth hub will provide travellers with a world of options in North, Central and South America,” he said.

“It underscores Brisbane’s allure as a global destination, and unlocks fresh tourism and business prospects for Queensland, with every jet providing export opportunities to the USA.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said it was another important step in rebuilding Queensland’s international visitor economy.

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy.

“This gives Americans the chance to see our state first-hand and provides an avenue for students and their families to return,” he said.

“The extra freight capacity is great news for Queensland exports, especially with fresh produce now able to be flown out of Brisbane instead of being trucked interstate to other airports.

State Trade and Investment Minister Cameron Dick said the Dallas-Forth Worth area was home to 24 Fortune 500 company headquarters, opening tremendous potential for business in the region as well.

American Airlines is a travel partner of Qantas, while United is a partner of Virgin, making it unlikely the two Aussie airlines will try to surf in on the growing US market.

But it will be welcome news for travellers, who can now choose to fly from Brisbane to LA, San Francisco, Vancouver or Dallas for direct flights to North America.

According to data from travel specialists Webjet, the average price of Brisbane-LA flights increased $700 between 2019 and 2022, with tourism leaders hopeful an increased number of players in the market would lead to lower prices.

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Originally published as New direct flights from Brisbane to world’s fifth busiest airport