The first Qantas flight between Sydney and Byron Bay (Ballina) in 15 years departed yesterday as the airline announced new NSW regional services to both Byron Bay on the far north coast and Orange, in the state’s west, the latter commencing 20 July 2020.
The additional routes are part of the gradual ramping-up of Qantas and Jetstar domestic flights. which could get up to 40 per cent of pre-Coronavirus capacity levels this month. Both routes were originally scheduled to start earlier this year but were delayed due to the Coronavirus and travel restrictions.
“As the national carrier we have an important role to play in driving tourism and reviving the industry that has been devastated by COVID-19,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing.
“These additional flights are coming at the right time for families who’ve spent much of the recent months confined to their homes and are looking forward to getting out and exploring their own State.
“While our business has been challenged like never before by COVID-19, the launch of these flights is another step towards a recovery and getting more of our people back flying again.”
QantasLink will operate daily return flights between Sydney and Byron Bay (Ballina) with its Q400 aircraft. The flights are in addition to Jetstar’s flights from Melbourne and Sydney.
The airline will operate three weekly return services between Sydney and Orange on its Q200 aircraft from 20 July, with plans to increase frequency later in the year.
Customers now have greater flexibility when they book, with the ability to change the date of their flight once, without paying a change fee. Customers will have to cover any fare increase (if relevant) for the new booking. All customers are also encouraged to download the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app and anyone with cold and flu-like symptoms should stay at home.
