Flights signal tourism liftoff

FINALLY flights are to return to the Far North with the national carrier, the Qantas Group, announcing 11 extra flights a week on the current meagre schedule.

It’s not a lot but at least it’s a start on the way back to relative normality.

It means when Queensland’s borders reopen Qantas and Jetstar will be ready to fly into Cairns from Sydney, Melbourne and other ports fairly quickly.

The flights, which include the resumption of six Brisbane-Cairns Qantas services and an additional flight by Jetstar on the same route, will be in time for the school holidays.

The Townsville route also adds another two flights each week to total eight.

The business and tourism sectors have been desperately waiting for the resumption of regular services.

It will give holiday-makers from the southeast corner a chance to travel quickly to the Far North and take a relatively warm break from the chilly weather in Brisbane and surrounding areas.

The region is basking in glorious weather at the moment.

The skies are mainly clear and the waters off the coast are looking picture postcard.

Popular spots such as Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Mission Beach are ready and waiting to welcome guests.

Travellers will also be able to get away to quaint hinterland towns such as Yungaburra, Malanda and Millaa Millaa for a bit of green change.

All businesses will be grateful to see new and returning visitors.

Seeing jets flying into the region’s engine room will be a sight for sore eyes.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor