Qantas expands Queensland network with more flights and resumed connections

Qantas is set to boost flights across its Queensland network in preparation for the return of interstate travel.

The national carrier will resume Sydney-Toowoomba from 14 February 2022 including 12 return flights each week on its Q400 aircraft with double daily flights on weekdays and daily flights on weekends.

For the snow season, Qantas will extend its Brisbane-Cooma services with two weekly return flights and its year-round Brisbane to Albury route, which can be used to access snow resorts in Victoria at Falls Creek and Hotham, will increase from three flights per week to daily return flights from 1 January 2022.

The flights to Cooma and Albury are the only direct flights from Brisbane to the snowfields.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the airline had added 27 new Queensland routes over the past 18 months accounting for more than half of the new domestic routes on its network.

“With Queensland’s border just weeks away from reopening, we know there’s huge pent up demand for travel,” Gissing said.

“The return of our Toowoomba services and the additional flights will support the recovery of the tourism sector and improve connectivity for local residents.

“We know how important accessible air travel is for regional Australia and we look forward to continuing to work with these communities and support them with regular flights and discounted fares for residents.”

Qantas has also added more than 15 return flights per week across three Far North Queensland routes with its Q400 aircraft, including five extra Cairns-Townsville services six more Townsville-Mackay services and four additional Cairns-Horn Island services.

On top of this, the Queensland Government has awarded Qantas the rights to continue to service the communities of Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall for the next five years as part of the state’s regulated routes program.

“We’re particularly pleased to be able to continue to serve Longreach and the central west region which is home to Qantas and so much of our history, as well as the Qantas Founders Museum,” Gissing said.

The airline will work with the Queensland Government to ensure flight schedules meet increased travel demand in winter months and continue to offer discounted fares for residents on all return flights to Brisbane through the resident fare program.

Image: iStock/Wendy Townrow