THE WHITSUNDAYS welcomed its first direct flight from Adelaide, on Sunday, in what is being described as a ‘game changer’ for the region.
The first direct Jetstar flight from Adelaide landed at Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) on Sunday evening, connecting the South Australian city with the region in a flight time of less than three hours.
The new route also creates an additional 58,000 low-cost seats a year and opens a direct flight route for the 1.2m people who live in the Adelaide region and want to visit the Whitsundays.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the direct route would operate three times a week and was a game-changer for the region.
“New routes like Adelaide are not just about adding more flights to our schedule, they represent a tremendous opportunity to open the Whitsunday region to a whole new market of visitors,” he said.
“With these flights, we’re making it easier than ever for people from across Australia to discover the Whitsundays.
“By increasing our accessibility, we’re broadening our appeal to a wider audience.
“Whether they’re coming here for the first time, or returning to explore even more, these visitors are vital to the continued growth and sustainability of our Whitsunday tourism industry.
“This expanded connectivity also reinforces our position as a premier destination and signals to the world that the Whitsundays is open, accessible and ready to provide unforgettable experiences.”
Whitsunday Coast Airport CEO Craig Turner said the economic benefits of new routes extended far beyond just tourism.
“For local businesses, this means more visitors walking through their doors, more customers to serve, and more opportunities to thrive,” Mr Turner said.
“We know that when more people come to the Whitsundays, they don’t just visit—they invest in our local economy, creating jobs and supporting our vibrant small business community.
“Any boost in tourism numbers will drive further investment in our infrastructure and services, ensuring that the Whitsundays continues to be a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
“By tapping into new markets, we’re diversifying our visitor base, making our economy more resilient to seasonal fluctuations and external factors.”
Interim Tourism Whitsundays CEO Aimee Cameron said their members were excited to welcome South Australian visitors keen to make the most of the region’s beautiful warmer weather.
“With a variety of water and land-based activities, excellent dining options, exciting events, diverse accommodation – and experiences to suit families, youth, adventure seekers and luxury travellers – the Whitsundays truly has something for everyone. “
