Pack your bags: Jetstar announces direct flights between Cairns and Newcastle

22 April 2021 - Jetstar has today announced direct services between Cairns and Newcastle will take to the skies from late June, in partnership with the Queensland Government.

Taking off from 23 June, the three-per-week service will be operated by A320 aircraft and is expected to carry close to 6,000 visitors between Cairns and Newcastle each month, delivering a significant tourism boost to both cities.

To celebrate the announcement, Jetstar will today launch a flash sale at midday, with fares available between Cairns and Newcastle from $69.

By the time the new flights take off, Jetstar's network of 21 destinations in Australia will be operating flights across 58 different domestic route options.

Jetstar Group CEO Gareth Evans said Jetstar was excited to provide the only link between Cairns and Newcastle, as the airline continues to expand its domestic network in response to increased travel demand.

"The demand for leisure travel in Australia continues to be really strong, and Jetstar is in a great position to be able to add more flights to connect even more destinations across the country.

"We're expecting to see great demand on this route, which will in turn boost local jobs and support local tourism."

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Jetstar service to Cairns was perfectly timed.

"In just over two and half hours, Novacastrians can be exploring the famous world-class holiday experiences the Tropical North has to offer," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The direct Jetstar route from Newcastle will support local jobs and the Far North's economic recovery from the global pandemic.

"If you're dreaming of getting away, Cairns is the place to be for a memorable escape this winter."

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said it was a fantastic result for the region at a time when confidence in travel was growing quickly.

"It's been a tough year or so in aviation, but an announcement like this, give us real optimism and the reassurance that we are delivering the airport our region deserves".

"There was already strong local demand for travel from our region to North Queensland, but with direct connections and a flight time of only 2 hours and 45 minutes, we expect significant growth in passenger numbers"

Cairns Airport Head of Aviation Garry Porter said the new direct route was another great opportunity to expand connectivity into the region and would offer locals the opportunity to visit Australia's 6^th largest city and one of the country's premier wine regions.

"The Newcastle and Hunter region has a population in excess of 1.2 million people and this second gateway from NSW to the Tropical North makes it even easier for more regional visitors from NSW to visit Tropical North Queensland."

"The new service provides opportunities for business travellers to come to Cairns improving accessibility and growing connectivity for the many people we know want to visit this region", Mr Porter said.

Jetstar's Cairns - Newcastle planned schedule from 23 June 2021*

*Initially the route will operate until October 2021 but could be extended.

^Sale ends 11.59pm AEST Thursday 22 April 2021, unless sold out prior. One-way, excludes checked baggage. Selected travel dates and conditions apply.