Rush for flights as footy fans head west

THE first AFL Grand Final at Perth’s Optus Stadium has prompted footy-mad Tasmanians to scramble west in numbers.

So much so, Qantas has added nine extra return flights between Hobart and Perth to accommodate fans keen to watch the Grand Final between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs on September 25.

“We’ve seen plenty of interest from footy fans in Tasmania who are keen to head over to Perth for the grand final weekend,” a Qantas spokesperson said.

“So far we’ve added an additional nine return services over five days, including an extra three return services on Friday, September 24.

“We are also seeing plenty of interest in travel the other way with Perth people looking to experience Tasmanian holidays during school holidays.”

Qantas said the airline would monitor demand and consider additional flights if needed.

Tasmania is among the few states and territories that enjoys quarantine-free travel arrangements with WA. According to the West Australian government’s coronavirus website, Tasmanian travellers must complete a G2G Pass registration and declaration.