Whitsundays Take Off

Whitsundays Take Off: New Flights and Upgraded Aircraft Boost Regional Connectivity

MEDIA RELEASE - 6 November 2025

The Whitsundays’ aviation network is expanding once again, with a series of exciting flight announcements that will further enhance connectivity, accessibility and visitor growth across the region.

Jetstar has introduced its Airbus A321 aircraft on selected routes to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), delivering a 30 per cent increase in total capacity for The Whitsundays. The upgraded aircraft, offering 230 seats (up from 186), will operate alongside ten additional services each week, representing an extra 117,000 seats per year into the region.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Island Airport is also set to benefit from new and enhanced connections. Qantas has launched direct flights from Melbourne to Hamilton Island, operating three times weekly on the new Airbus A220 aircraft. The A220 offers passengers a quieter, more fuel-efficient journey, featuring wider seats and larger windows for an improved onboard experience.

In addition, East Air has commenced a new Cairns–Hamilton Island route, reconnecting two of North Queensland’s most iconic destinations for the first time since the pandemic. The year-round service will make it easier than ever for visitors to reach the Great Barrier Reef in just over an hour, offering improved international access via Cairns for overseas arrivals and supporting stronger tourism connections throughout the region. Before the pandemic, nearly 37,000 passengers travelled annually between Cairns and Hamilton Island.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Tim Booth
“With the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, The Whitsundays is perfectly positioned to welcome more visitors.

“Having two airports, Whitsunday Coast and Hamilton Island, gives the region fantastic flexibility, and new international connections via Cairns make it even easier for guests from around the world to experience our islands.

“Combined with more flights and larger aircraft, this is a major boost for tourism and the local economy.”

Hamilton Island CEO, Nick Dowling
“We’re absolutely delighted to restore the Hamilton Island to Cairns direct flight, strengthening regional connectivity between key gateways to the Great Barrier Reef and ensuring smoother journeys for local and international travellers.

“As the Whitsundays looks to host sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these routes will help reinvigorate Australia’s island resorts and showcase the best of Queensland and the Whitsundays to the world.”

About Tourism Whitsundays: Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.