TRAVELLERS have rushed to be among the first to fly straight from Newcastle to Cairns later this month.
Fares went on sale following a formal announcement at Newcastle Airport on Thursday morning. Before 1pm Jetstar's website showed there were less than 100 Queensland-bound sale fares left, with June dates disappearing a short time later. The Newcastle Herald revealed yesterday the airline will fly direct from June 23 until October 4 in a first for the two hubs.
Cairns-bound flights depart at 10.25am on Mondays, 3.15pm on Wednesdays and 6.45pm on Saturdays. Return flights leave 7.10am, 2.35pm and 3.30pm respectively.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said "thousands" of Queenslanders were expected to head south thanks to the service, which could be expanded based on demand.
North of the border, the news has been greeted with similar enthusiasm.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the flights were perfectly timed for an area struck hard by the absence of international tourists.
"The direct Jetstar route from Newcastle will support local jobs and the Far North's economic recovery from the global pandemic," Mr Hinchcliffe said.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said regular flights between the regions were "crucial" to boosting visitor numbers, and he expected a boost to accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators.
"The Hunter just got a little bit closer to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Healy said. "It means residents of New South Wales' second biggest city will, for the first time, be able to get on a direct flight for a great holiday in the Far North..."
