Tigerair Australia has launched a new route between Melbourne and Townsville, providing four weekly return direct low cost services between the two cities, with more than 1,400 additional visitor seats each week between the two destinations.

From Thursday 22 June, Tigerair will operate weekly return flights between the Victorian capital and North Queensland destination on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The new service is supported by the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with the Townsville City Council and Queensland Airports Limited.

Tigerair Australia Head of Communications, Vanessa Regan, says the announcement is significant for Townsville and Queensland as the airline continues to respond to consumer demand for services to and from the region.

“The sunshine state is an integral part of our network with over 50% of all Tigerair domestic services already touching Queensland. That number is set to increase by almost 40,000 additional visitor seats through Townsville Airport annually. We are confident our new services will prove popular with our core market of low cost and leisure travellers, whilst at the same time delivering numerous spin off benefits for the region by way of increased tourism expenditure and job creation,” she said.

“Providing the only direct low cost daytime services on the route, customers will have more daylight hours at their destination when they arrive. These new flights are sure to be warmly embraced by Victorians looking to chase some sun and visit one of Townsville’s many attractions, such as Magnetic Island or Castle Hill. It will also prove attractive for North Queenslanders keen to visit Melbourne and experience a rich mix of culture, food, drink, sport and arts.

“I would like to extend our thanks to Townsville Airport and the Queensland Government for their support in making these new services a reality. Tigerair looks forward to increasing air travel between the two popular destinations in the future.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill says the route is the start of a major push to develop the city’s tourism sector.

“The schedule is well timed for the leisure traveller and opens up more connectivity for direct business on this existing route,” he said.

“It’s great news for the city’s tourism industry, and for Victorians who can come to experience some fun in the sun and our northern hospitality.

“We thank local and state government for their support in securing Tigerair for the people of Townsville.

“Tigerair Australia is a significant player in the Australian market and we look forward to working with them to facilitate the expansion of their presence in Townsville, with additional domestic and possible international routes on the agenda for discussion.”

Contact: media@qldairports.com.au

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