Riverina travellers will have direct flights to Queensland when QantasLink starts flying between Wagga Wagga and Brisbane early next year.

The national carrier will operate three weekly return services with its 74 seat, Q400 turboprop aircraft from 28 March 2022, saving at least 90 minutes on current flying times via Sydney.

It will be the first regular passenger service to connect Wagga Wagga to Brisbane in almost four years and will give Riverina residents more one-stop connections to destinations across the airline’s expansive Queensland network.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would open up more options for Wagga Wagga residents and Queenslanders looking to book their next holiday as interstate travel picks up early next year.

“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know we have an important role to play keeping regions connected and driving tourism,” Mr Gissing said.

“This service will make it easier for Queenslanders to catch up with family and friends and explore the beautiful Riverina region.

“It will also give Wagga residents easy access to some of Queensland’s amazing holiday destinations.”

Queensland’s Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new service to Brisbane would deliver the perfect autumn getaway for Riverina residents.

“Queensland’s River City has lot to offer the Riverina from plenty of sunshine, to tours of our famous Moreton Bay islands, fishing, great nightlife, dining and retail options, fascinating cultural precincts, and Australia’s friendliest koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from Wagga Wagga on quick and convenient services from March 22.

“These flights are supported by the Queensland Government because we know how important your best Brisbane visitor experience is to the recovery of our tourism economy.

“In 2022, Queensland is the place to be for a world-class holiday getaway.”

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey OAM said the announcement of direct return flights from the city to Brisbane would be welcomed by regional communities across the Riverina.

“Our communities got a feel for this route when it operated for a short time out of Wagga Wagga some years ago and it was well utilised for business, health and tourism reasons,” Cr Conkey said.

“Having expanded air services direct to Brisbane is a show of commitment from the industry to Wagga Wagga, as a major regional centre, and I’m sure this route will again prove popular.

“This not only benefits local travellers, but will also encourage more Queensland visitors to the city and the region, making it more accessible because of the direct service.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff said: “QantasLink’s announcement is fantastic news for Queenslanders and people from the beautiful Riverina region of New South Wales alike.

“Brisbane Airport is the most domestically connected airport in Australia. Our vision is to connect people to more of Australia and the rest of the world, so we are always incredibly excited to add new destinations and services.

“As we look forward to our domestic borders reopening, the launch of such services is made even more special, and we have no doubt these services will take off with people looking to reconnect with family and friends and visiting new parts of our beautiful country.”

The flights have been made possible with the support of the Queensland Government, Wagga Wagga Airport, and Brisbane Airport Corporation.

Qantas is offering special fares starting from $149 one-way, available for sale until 7 November, 2021, unless sold out prior.