Jetstar launches direct service from Cairns to Sunshine Coast

A budget airline has delivered an early Christmas present to Queenslanders, launching a new service between two popular Aussie destinations, multiple times a week.

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said Jetstar’s service to the Sunshine Coast would create new holiday options for a raft of travellers, including those visiting family and friends. Photo: Supplied.

The first Jetstar flight from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast has taken off in time for the festive season.

Cairns Airport confirmed the new service route will operate three times a week, increasing to four during the summer school holidays, creating an affordable link between two of Queensland’s most popular tourism destinations.

For Cairns mother-of-two Jody Simpson, whose parents live on the Sunshine Coast, the new service was the perfect Christmas gift.

“All my family live down there so we travel quite often and it’s great to be able to fly into the coast rather than into Brisbane,” Ms Simpson said.

Ms Simpson, her partner and their two children, aged four and six, flew on the inaugural flight from their home in Cairns, to visit Ms Simpson’s parents.

Cairns family Johnny, Wolf, Jody and Aston Simpson have travelled on Jetstar's maiden flight from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday to visit relatives during the school holidays. Photo: Supplied.

“We have two small kids so we try and travel as much as possible with them so they can see their grandparents,” she said.

“We’re going down to catch them before the Christmas rush because they’ll be away, and also to entertain the kids over the school holidays.”

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said Jetstar’s service to the Sunshine Coast would create new holiday options for a raft of travellers.

“While Cairns and the Sunshine Coast are both coastal, they’re quite different destinations

offering unique, sought-after attractions,” Mr Barker said.

“Jetstar’s new, direct flights mean visitors can enjoy the highlights of both regions easily and affordably, encompassing all of Queensland’s unforgettable experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef to exhilarating surf beaches.

Jetstar cabin crew unveil the airline's new uniforms with Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker (centre) ahead of Jetstar's inaugural flight service from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Supplied.

“The new flights will also be ideal for those who travel often between our regions to visit

relatives and friends.”

Jetstar’s executive manager, customer, Jenn Armor, said the airline was excited to be offering

more budget-friendly holiday options for customers in time for Christmas.

“Cairns and the Sunshine Coast are two of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations – with stunning beaches, swimming spots and scenery,” Ms Armor said.

“These new flights are expected to be popular with both interstate and overseas tourists and we thank the Queensland Government, and the Sunshine Coast and Cairns airports for their

ongoing support of low fares travel.”

The new service also coincides with the launch of Jetstar’s new cabin crew uniform.

Originally published as Jetstar launches direct service from Cairns to Sunshine Coast