DIRECT flights between the Hunter and tropical north Queensland will resume in June, Jetstar has confirmed.
The low-cost airline on Tuesday said the seasonal route between Williamtown and Cairns will run from June 24 to October 28.
The flights run three times a week during the seasonal window, with an Airbus A320 ferrying almost 6000 passengers between the two cities in what the company claims is a tourism boost to both ends of the route.
The route began operating in June 2021 in partnership with the two cities' airports.
Jetstar said it continued to draw strong demand.
Chief customer officer Alan McIntyre said the airline would be the only one flying direct.
"We saw strong demand in both directions when the route was first launched in 2021 and we expect it will be more popular than ever this year, with one-way fares starting from $119," he said.
Newcastle Airport said return flights are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Northbound trips will leave Williamtown at 3.35pm, landing in Cairns at 6.25pm, while the return route departs Queensland at 12.15pm and lands back in the Hunter at 2.55pm.
Cairns Airport CEO, Richard Barker, said the direct services worked both ways.
"The climate in Far North Queensland is particularly ideal during the winter period. These flights mean it has never been easier for southern residents to relax and reset with a tropical getaway," he said.
"This service also gives FNQ locals a seamless connection to the NSW Hunter Valley and its highly popular premier wine regions."
Newcastle Airport's Dr Peter Cock said the third season of the direct service was one he expected customers would appreciate, and was confident it could become a permanent seasonal fixture or even year-round option for Hunter travellers.
"People of our region love Tropical North Queensland and Cairns has proven to be one of our most in-demand destinations over the past two years," he said.
"Not only does the direct connection offer ease and convenience, but a flight time of only two hours and 45 minutes means the popular destination is more accessible than ever.
"It also provides an exciting boost for tourism for both cities, the benefits of which cannot be underestimated after the challenges of the past three years."
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