Jetstar to fly more passengers from Melbourne to Townsville over winter

A budget airline will add thousands of extra seats to one of Townsville Airport’s busiest routes from next month in a bid to boost tourism in the region.

Jetstar flight from Melbourne landing at Townsville Airport. Picture: Alix Sweeney

A budget airline will add thousands of extra seats to one of Townsville Airport’s busiest routes from next month in a bid to boost tourism in the region.

Jetstar Queensland will operate an Airbus A321neo in place of the smaller A320 for flights between Townsville and Melbourne, adding more than 4,500 extra return seats from June until October.

Townsville Enterprise Limited CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the region was “one of the hottest markets when it comes to airline traffic”.

“We absolutely welcome the news that Jetstar has recognised the need for additional carrying capacity between Melbourne and Townsville, and are very excited to see these larger aircraft in our city come June,” she said.

“It is perfect timing based on our peak tourist season and also that our region is still recovering post-floods, so these additional seats will definitely help a lot of those embattled tourism operators who have collectively sustained booking losses worth more than $40 million in recent months.

“Townsville and broader North Queensland is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Australia, so it is very exciting to see airlines like Jetstar stepping up to meet our growing demand.”

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Commercial Officer Adam Rowe said the additional capacity would help support the region’s growing travel demand.

“Melbourne is our third busiest route from Townsville Airport, with 90 per cent of seats booked on services between the two cities from June to October last year. This extra capacity will provide more choice and greater availability for passengers travelling on this popular route,” he said.

Jetstar Queensland Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor said the airline was excited to be growing its low fares network to and from Townsville.

“We know Melburnians love to holiday up north during winter and we expect these extra seats to be really popular with customers looking for a winter escape,” Ms Armor said.

Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the region was ready to welcome interstate and international visitors.

“While we know Melbourne is a popular destination for north Queenslanders, these additional flights will no doubt open up Townsville to more southerners just in time for the best months of the year – where Townsville’s winter is the perfect summer,” she said.

Originally published as Jetstar to fly more passengers from Melbourne to Townsville over winter