Visitation is expected to climb in two of Queensland’s most iconic tourism destinations with the launch of new direct flights connecting Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays.
Established Cairns-based airline East Air will commence year-round passenger services between Cairns and Hamilton Island from Monday 3 November 2025, providing a seamless connection between the two Great Barrier Reef gateways in just over an hour.
East Air Owner Alan Milne said the new service meant international and domestic visitors could include both iconic regions on their holiday itinerary. Initially operating three times per week, Milne intends to expand the service with larger aircraft and increased frequency as passenger demand builds.
“Passengers visiting Cairns or Hamilton Island will be able to book this new direct connection as part of their door-to-door journey. This is an ideal opportunity for holidaymakers to maximise their time in Queensland and experience both of these exceptional destinations without additional costly and unnecessary travel and transfers,” he said.
“East Air has specialised in tailored charter flight services for more than 15 years. We are taking our operations to the next level by reviving a sought-after passenger service on this untapped route, which has potential to influence the future of regional Queensland tourism.”
Passenger 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.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said East Air would bridge a gap in the market and encourage more travellers to fly directly into Cairns to start their holiday in Queensland.
It comes off the back of Cairns Airport last night (Thursday) being crowned Airport of the Year for the third consecutive year in a row, at the Australian Aviation Awards in Sydney.
“It is timely to be welcoming the return of a direct link to Hamilton Island as international visitor numbers to Cairns increase. This service will allow international tourists to explore Tropical North Queensland and enjoy the Whitsundays, without first requiring a stopover in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne,” Mr Barker said.
“Travellers will be able to experience luxury island leisure, world-class diving, ecotourism adventures and rich cultural highlights, all without leaving Queensland.”
Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said: "Queensland is the home of the holiday and with the world's attention turning to the state in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it's the perfect time to connect two of our most iconic destinations with direct flights.”
"This delivers what we heard, repeatedly, through the development of our 20-year tourism vision Destination 2045 - the importance of connecting our international gateways like Cairns with our spectacular regions, and they don't get much more spectacular than Hamilton Island!”
Hamilton Island Chief Executive Officer Nick Dowling said: "With direct flights between Cairns and Hamilton Island returning this year, visitors will once again have easy access to the extraordinary breadth of the Great Barrier Reef, from Tropical North Queensland to the Whitsundays, in just over an hour.”
“This new service with East Air is a timely and significant step towards revitalising Queensland’s island resorts, opening up access to key domestic and international markets just as the Whitsundays begin to prepare to stage sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“We’re proud to partner with East Air and Cairns Airport on our shared vision to boost regional tourism and showcase some of the most spectacular parts of Queensland, and Australia to the world.”
Limited-Time Launch Offer
To celebrate the return of direct flights from Cairns, East Air and Hamilton Island have launched a special, limited-time holiday offer. Guests flying direct from Cairns to Hamilton Island with East Air can save 20% on stays of three nights or more at the Reef View Hotel (standard rooms, Bed & Breakfast rate).
Flights start from $236 per person* one way (including fees and charges), with just over an hour’s flight time between the two destinations.
The offer is valid for travel from 1 November to 22 December 2025 and ends at 4:00pm AEST, Friday 31 October 2025. Full terms and conditions apply.
To book or for more information, visit https://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/east-air-cairns-flight-offer and eastair.com.au
*Travel dates, terms and conditions may apply