By Luke Voogt
Flights from Avalon Airport to the Gold Coast are set to take off on January 1 pending final confirmation from the Queensland Government, the Independent can reveal.
A Jetstar spokesperson today confirmed the airline was planning to resume the service on New Year’s Day.
The confirmation comes after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would give an update tomorrow on the reopening of her state’s border with Victoria.
This morning Ms Palaszczuk announced the Queensland-NSW border would open next Tuesday, December 1.
With Victoria reaching zero active COVID-19 cases and recording its 24th consecutive day with no cases yesterday, Ms Palaszczuk said the Victoria-Queensland border could reopen on December 1 too.
A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline would begin by operating four services a week from Avalon Airport to the Gold Coast and increase flights based on demand.
“We really look forward to resuming flights between Avalon and the Gold Coast,” they said.
“Pending confirmation from the Queensland Government that it will open its borders to Victoria, our plan is to restart those services from January 1.
“This will mark the first time we have flown this route since March.
“We are excited to help more families and friends reconnect and help to boost local tourism in Geelong and the region during the school holidays.”
Jetstar has begun selling flights between Avalon Airport and the Gold Coast from $99 on its website.
A fortnight ago Avalon Airport chief executive officer Justin Giddings told the Independent the airport would be ready to operate flights to the Gold Coast by December 18 or earlier.
But he warned airlines needed more time to prepare and urged the Queensland Government to fast-track its announcement for the reopening of the border.
Mr Giddings today welcomed the planned resumption of the service despite initially hoping for an earlier start date.
“Our flights to the Gold Coast normally peak just after Christmas – so the timing is ideal,” he said.
“It’s a great way to celebrate the end of 2020.”
Earlier this month Jetstar announced services would resume from Avalon Airport to Sydney on December 18.
