From the beach to the bush: Qantas launches two new NSW routes

Qantas will today launch two new routes to regional NSW, helping to reboot the local tourism industry’s post-COVID recovery.

The first Qantas flight between Sydney and Byron Bay (Ballina) in 15 years departs this morning and the airline has confirmed its first ever flights to Orange will start on 20 July.

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.

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.