A boost in services by Qantas has been welcomed, reflecting the ongoing recovery of the North Queensland region.

The carrier today announced it would add an additional six return flights per week between Brisbane and Townsville, from 31 March 2019.

It will also return to a double-daily service on weekdays between Brisbane and Mount Isa, as part of a boost to services across Queensland.

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the announcement was recognition of the importance of the market and the increasing strength of the North Queensland economy.

“These additional flights, which will start in March next year, will be followed by the commencement of a new route between Townsville and the Gold Coast operated by Airnorth,” he said.

“This means Townsville’s business and leisure travellers will have more services to choose from – a sure sign of a strengthening economy. We are constantly liaising with our airline partners to encourage increased capacity and the establishment of new routes.”

Today’s news comes as the airport prepares to enter one of its busiest times of the year. Virgin Australia has boosted capacity during the peak period, continuing the increase in seats seen throughout 2018.

“It is pleasing to see Virgin Australia has also added capacity into the airport,with the airline offering 12 per cent more seats on its Townsville-Brisbane route in December this year compared to December 2017 and an eight per cent capacity increase on its Townsville-Sydney route,” Mr Gill said.

“We are expecting a positive end to the calendar year off the back of a record number of passengers passing through our gates during the 2018 financial year.”

In FY2018, Townsville Airport recorded 1,670,143 passengers through its gates, an increase of 5.9 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

For more information on the Qantas announcement, go to: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-boosts-flights-for-queensland-travellers/