Mum’s the word on international flights returning to Avalon

There’s no word on when international flights are returning to Avalon Airport.

Avalon Airport is working with the state government to attract international flights. Photo: Alan Barber.

Avalon Airport is staying silent about the return of international passenger flights a week after saying an announcement could be made “within days”.

Chief executive Tony Brun declined to comment when asked for an update following remarks from the airport’s executive chair David Fox.

Mr Fox said last week an announcement was imminent – “hopefully within the next three of four days” – and that the airport was seeking support from both the state and federal government.

A state government spokesman said it was working with Avalon to help attract international airlines, which in turn would help grow tourism, education, business and trade opportunities.

“We’re continuously engaging with international airlines to demonstrate the benefits of increasing flights to both Avalon Airport and Melbourne Airport,” he said.

“Airlines make commercial decisions about where to invest in new services.

“We look forward to seeing the continued growth of our international aviation sector, including at Avalon Airport.”

Corio MP Richard Marles said the federal government was working closely with Avalon.

“I know that for all of us in Geelong, we would love to see that terminal open again and we will continue to work with the Fox family around that,” he said.

In August, Mr Brun said the airport’s focus was on attracting second-tier premium and low cost carriers.

Avalon’s international terminal opened in 2018, with AirAsia flights to Malaysia kicking off that year, but they ceased amid the Covid pandemic.

The airport had deals with two other airlines – Citilink to Bali and Vietjet to Vietnam – but both fell through during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally published as Mum’s the word on international flights returning to Avalon