Domestic Travel Takes off in Runway to Recovery

Australians are out exploring their own back yard in increasing numbers after figures out this week indicating passenger numbers at Cairns Airport at a four month high, and now exceeding 27,000 a week.

There are also more encouraging signs on the horizon with Jetstar to recommence their five weekly services from Adelaide to Cairns on August 1.  Airlines are continuing to increase services to Cairns with Virgin Australia also recommencing services last week to and from Sydney and Jetstar now operating three daily services to Brisbane.Passenger numbers at Cairns Airport have increased tenfold in the past month and more capacity continues to be added to schedules.

Garry Porter Head of Aviation at Cairns Airport said demand from New South Wales and within Queensland was really encouraging with solid bookings already in place for the South Australian flights.

“While international border restrictions have put a temporary halt on jetting off internationally, it’s given Aussies the opportunity to revisit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef or finally get around to planning a trip here.”

Mr Porter said the strong demand underlines and affirms that travellers are feeling safe with the comprehensive safety measures from airlines and airports in place. “Air transportation is critical to the economic recovery of our region and as we embrace the new normal, we look forward to seeing a continued resurgence in domestic passenger numbers.”

The return of South Australian flights follows the commencement of new services last week with Alliance Airlines now operating three services a week from the Sunshine Coast, and Air North operating three services a week from Toowoomba.