DIRECT from the Adelaide vineyards to the Great Barrier Reef is now a reality after Jetstar confirmed it will be the first airline to operate direct flights between Adelaide and Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA).
Operated by Jetstar’s Airbus A320 fleet, the new direct services will add 58,000 seats into the already booming Whitsunday tourism market.
Whitsunday Regional Council director commercial businesses Craig Turner said it was exciting that, after months of negotiations, connectivity from the Heart of the Barossa to the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef would take off, in September.
“Thanks to this partnership with Jetstar, Whitsunday residents can now be sipping wine in the Adelaide Hills while Adelaide residents can now enjoy relaxing in the tropical Whitsundays with three direct flights weekly,” Mr Turner said.
“It is important that we be proactive in taking every opportunity to explore new routes that would instantly boost the Whitsunday region’s economy.
“We have gone from two airline partners and three direct flight routes in the pre-COVID era to now connecting our community to eight direct destinations, across five airline partners.
“Boasting direct flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Adelaide stamps us as one of Australia’s fastest growing regional airports.”
Mr Turner said the new Adelaide flight was part of the broader vision for strategic growth for WCA and an ongoing commitment to not only meeting current travel demands but anticipating and fulfilling the evolving needs of visitors and the community.
“Our airport isn’t just a terminal; it’s a vital gateway for connectivity to the wonders of the Whitsundays,” he said.
“I extend my thanks to the entire airport team, our partners, and our Whitsunday community. Together, we are writing the next chapter of air travel for the Whitsundays.”
The Jetstar flights are on sale now, with fares starting at $149.
