Qantas will make it even easier to travel to Byron Bay and the New South Wales far north coast, with the launch of flights from Sydney to Ballina for the first time in 15 years.

A daily return flight will commence from 29 March 2020 adding more than 36,000 seats on the route each year.

Northern Rivers residents and business travellers flying to Sydney will benefit with the flights conveniently timed for same-day trips with a morning departure from Ballina and an evening return from Sydney.

Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said demand for premium travel to the region was increasing and the new flights would give travellers even more choice.

“Byron Bay continues to be an incredibly popular destination for holidaymakers of all types. We’ve seen more and more luxury hotels established in recent years and we think it’s the right time for Qantas to again fly directly to Ballina,” Mr David said.

“Our frequent flyers have been asking for this for some time and we think they’ll enjoy the option of flying on Qantas and the benefits our premium service offers including lounge access before they fly out of Sydney.”

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to enjoy one of the State’s most popular regions.

“NSW’s far north coast offers incredible beaches, world-class produce and seafood, and a lifestyle that is the envy of many, so it’s great that Qantas is making it even easier for visitors to explore Ballina and beyond,” Minister Ayres said.

“Now is the perfect time to escape the city and support regional NSW by staying local and buying local, giving the tourism industry in these communities a welcome boost.”

The new flights add to Jetstar’s services to Ballina, with the low-cost carrier operating direct flights from
Sydney and Melbourne.

Flights will be operated by a 50-seat Q300 aircraft and to celebrate the new route Qantas is offering special fares of $115 one-way between Ballina and Sydney, for travel from 29 March to 25 October 2020. Fares are available to book at qantas.com and through travel agents. The sale ends 23 January 2020.

Ballina is Qantas’ 12th destination in NSW after Sydney, Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Lord Howe Island, Moree, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, and Wagga Wagga.