Queenslanders will have more travel options to the world-famous Whitsundays with QantasLink launching direct flights from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) for the first time in seventeen years.

From 17 September 2021, QantasLink will operate up to seven weekly return flights between Proserpine and Brisbane with its 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 1000 seats on the route each week.

It follows the new routes QantasLink commenced from Brisbane to Albury and Cooma earlier this week. Between Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, the Group has now launched more than 45 new routes since international borders closed, around half of which are into Queensland.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would create stronger connections to the popular tourism destination.

“With international borders still largely closed, we’re pleased to be making it easier for Australians to experience the world-famous beaches of the Whitsunday region and access the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef,” said Mr Gissing.

“COVID has also meant we’ve seen demand for travel within the Sunshine State soar in the past year. Our flights from Brisbane to places such as Cairns and Townsville have been incredibly popular so we expect this new route to the Whitsunday Coast will appeal to the many Queenslanders looking to holiday in their own state.

“These new flights also open up the Whitsunday Coast to Qantas customers across the country who will be able to seamlessly connect through Brisbane from our extensive domestic network. More visitors will be great for the local economy with flow on benefits for local businesses in their recovery from the impact of COVID.

“We’ll be promoting these new flights and the Whitsundays to millions of our frequent flyers across the country, offering travellers complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access for eligible passengers in Brisbane Airport.”

Special fares on the new route are available from $109 one-way at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 10 July 2021, unless sold out prior.

The new Brisbane-Proserpine service will complement Jetstar flights to the Whitsunday Coast from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Qantas has recently extended its Fly Flexible policy, offering customers who book flights before 30 September 2021 with unlimited ‘fee free’ date changes when travelling before 28 February 2022. (A fare difference may apply).