A short, direct flight with huge potential has commenced between Cairns and Hamilton Island.
The inaugural East Air service departed Cairns Airport at 9am on Monday (AEST) after a celebratory farewell, touching down just over an hour later on Hamilton Island, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Industry leaders expect the new service will bring significant opportunities to both regions, restoring an in-demand connection between two of Queensland’s most iconic destinations. The first flight was near full and forward bookings are exceeding expectations, with additional Sunday flights set to commence in February, East Air Managing Director Alan Milne said.
“The service is designed to better serve travellers, both domestic and international. We have created a seamless corridor between two Great Barrier Reef gateways, which means visitors don’t have to choose between one or the other,” he said.
“It is particularly attractive for international tourists who may not often visit regional Queensland. Our connection can be integrated into a customer’s door-to-door itinerary, so it’s really taking the guess work out of holiday planning by removing lengthy airport transfer periods and additional travel costs.”
Flights have not operated between Cairns and Hamilton Island since the start of the COVID pandemic. At that time, almost 37,000 seats per year were carried between the two popular destinations.
Mr Milne said the new, year-round service had also been keenly welcomed by locals.
“We are thrilled to announce Sunday flights are now on sale, in addition to our Monday and Friday services. This will be an ideal schedule for a two-night, weekend getaway – down on Friday morning and back on Sunday afternoon,” he said.
“As a locally owned carrier, we understand the value and importance of regional air connectivity. Residents in Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays are excited to have another convenient holiday option. Sales are strong and building, and we’re thrilled with how quickly the flights are returning to their previous passenger loads, when Qantas flew this route pre-COVID.”
International tourist expenditure in Tropical North Queensland reached $1.2 billion for 2024-25, a 24.7 per cent increase on the previous financial year. Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the addition of East Air would encourage more travellers to fly directly into Cairns to start their holiday.
“Our international passenger numbers reached a 20-year high in 2024, and we are pleased to see that positive growth continue,” he said.
“East Air’s direct link to Hamilton Island will enable visitors to plan their perfect tropical getaway without needing to stop in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. It will encourage longer stays and increased regional spending, which offers a range of community-wide benefits.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the route was a shining example of the potential for growth under the state’s new tourism plan.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and we have no shortage of unique destinations spread out across our state,” he said.
“Connectivity is not just an expectation of our visitors, it’s a core network that locals deserve too, which is why this forms one of the core pillars of Destination 2045.
“Opening up our state is a great way to boost visitor economies across our iconic regions, and I’m excited to see more routes in the future.”
Hamilton Island Chief Executive Officer Nick Dowling said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back direct flights between Hamilton Island and Cairns - two Great Barrier Reef gateways just over an hour apart - and we’re delighted to see such strong early demand for the route.”
“The revitalised East Air service opens new markets as the Whitsundays prepare to host sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Together with East Air and Cairns Airport, we’re restoring a seamless link across the Reef and showcasing Queensland - from reef and rainforests to icons like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, right on our doorstep.”
For more information and to book, visit eastair.com.au.