Return of Jetstar flights from Avalon Airport postponed

JETSTAR has postponed its planned relaunch of flights from Avalon Airport due to Victoria’s current COVID-19 outbreak and increased interstate travel restrictions.

Daily Jetstar flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast were due to resume from the local airport on July 15, with bookings launching online last month. But, in a recent statement, Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings said Jetstar had now decided to delay the resumption of the domestic flights until at least the start of August.

“It’s a frustrating time for everyone and we share your pain, but we’re confident that if we all work together we can reflatten the curve soon,” Mr Giddings said.

“Stay safe, everyone. Let’s work together to keep ourselves and each other healthy, and let’s get this back under control.”

Mr Giddings said he “fully supports” the budget airline’s decision and said the announcement was not unexpected. “Victorians are prevented from going in to Queensland, and with the New South Wales premier announcing that Victorian’s shouldn’t come to NSW, it makes it really hard,” he said.

“Aviation is going to take a long time to recover, so the sooner we can get flights going again, the sooner we can start marketing that travelling is OK — but now is not the time.

“With this recent second spike in Victoria, we’ve got to take all the precautions.”

The airline will contact travellers affected by the recent postponement.

Mr Giddings said Avalon was preparing for domestic flying to return next month, with Jetstar advertising flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast commencing from August 1.

Mr Giddings said, despite the delay in restarting flights, the airport was still going OK, with charter flights, parked aircraft and other tenants.