Tamworth residents will be able to fly non-stop to Brisbane from early next year, thanks to a new direct route by QantasLink.
From 29 March 2020, QantasLink will operate six weekly flights between Tamworth and Brisbane on a 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, offering more than 23,000 seats each year for holidaymakers and business travellers.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route demonstrated the airline’s continued commitment to Tamworth.
“Qantas has a long and proud history in Tamworth, and we’re pleased to be offering this new service and the opportunities it provides,” he said.
“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know the value of connecting country cities to capitals, and we’re proud to be bringing Brisbane a little closer to Australia’s country music capital.
“Direct flights to Brisbane give our Tamworth customers more options for one-stop connections into Queensland and around the world through our international network.”
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the addition of the new route was fantastic news for the city.
“This government has invested more than $6.2 million to upgrade the Tamworth Regional Airport terminal to make it the front gate for Tamworth to the world,” he said.
“Tamworth has so much to offer as a regional centre of excellence in food production, entertainment, health and education. This air service will help capitalise on what we have to offer.
“I’m really pleased to hear in these tough times that Qantas is prepared to front up and create a new air route for this city.”
Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Col Murray said he is looking forward to the increased connectivity between Brisbane and Tamworth.
“Our growing region has a lot to offer. These additional flights will provide Queenslanders with further opportunities to explore business and leisure in our area, and locals with increased accessibility to major centres around the country,” he said.
“We are excited to see the economic benefits that this increased connectivity will provide.”
To celebrate the new route, QantasLink is offering special fares of $129 one way between Tamworth and Brisbane until 24 December 2019 for select travel dates from 29 March 2020 to 25 October.
QantasLink currently operates around 29 flights between Tamworth and Sydney each week, operates a heavy maintenance facility in Tamworth, and has been the supporting the Tamworth Country Music Festival for nine years.
