Flight plan in works

Domestic routes to ramp up as rules ease

AIRLINES servicing the Far North are drawing up flight plans expected to be put in place as soon as a further softening of COVID restrictions allow interstate travel.

New post-COVID flight arrangements will be tailored to demand based on the uptake of intrastate travel after restrictions were lifted by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday.

Ms Palaszczuk has acknowledged that air services are “very important” once the border reopens and also now within Queensland.

“We’re definitely going to be speaking to the airlines about (flights),” she said.

“I think this (intrastate travel) gives them the confidence they need to put on more flights, to make sure that Queenslanders can travel, not just for tourism, but also work purposes.”

Cairns Airport says it is awaiting schedules from the airlines but is still unaware of the details.

“(However) Cairns Airport welcomes the easing of border restrictions and the opportunity that will offer Queenslanders to holiday in the state,” a spokeswoman said.

Qantas already operates at least two return flights per week to Queensland regional cities under the Federal Government’s minimum viable domestic network.

And Jetstar currently operates a Brisbane-Cairns return service twice weekly.

A Qantas Group spokeswoman said the company would be evaluating trends of its budget carrier Jetstar and flagship brand following the opening up of Queensland travel.

“We will be monitoring bookings on intra-Queensland routes closely and will add capacity where we see demand,” the spokeswoman told the Cairns Post.