Signs of recovery are once again well underway at Cairns Airport, with news this week that the Brisbane to Cairns route is now the busiest in the country.
Airlines are also increasing capacity into Cairns from intrastate and selected interstate destinations in a clear indication that the region is well poised to see strong return in visitor numbers as momentum continues.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Norris Carter said he was delighted to discover the new ‘Golden Triangle’ of aviation had moved to North Queensland, but not entirely surprised.
“Passenger number are starting to return to the numbers we saw when the NSW border was open in July and we’re seeing a lot of intrastate demand for Cairns from people who are able to travel here.”
“With school holidays on the horizon and three weeks of AFL in Cairns next month, there’s real confidence in our region both from an airline point of view as well as passengers wanting to travel here, and that’s really encouraging.”
From the beginning of September Cairns will see the return of 11 Gold Coast flights a week and Jetstar will also recommence two services a week to Darwin. Jetstar are also increasing flights to Adelaide from August 19 to six services a week and then daily from September 1.
“Air North are currently operating five flights a week from Cairns to Darwin and with Jetstar adding capacity with services, we’re seeing great connectivity with The Territory. Where people are able to travel here, they’re coming and that’s really positive as we look to the coming months and how we will emerge from the pandemic,” Mr Carter said.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said there was pent up demand for the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, with Cairns the number one region in Australia for Google travel searches.
“Bookings have picked up for some properties with Fitzroy Island Resort reporting strong forward bookings after losing a lot of business when the New South Wales border closed.
“Hotels with campaigns in market have experienced better mid-week occupancies and report a younger demographic enjoying the getaways and min breaks.”
Brisbane to Townsville, and Brisbane to Mackay are now the second and third busiest routes nationally.
“Hotels with campaigns in market have experienced better mid-week occupancies and report a younger demographic enjoying the getaways and min breaks.”
Brisbane to Townsville, and Brisbane to Mackay are now the second and third busiest routes nationally.