Flights between Townsville and Melbourne and Sydney will be boosted significantly in the next 48 hours – as new Qantas and Virgin Australia services start. Townsville Airport General Manager Brendan Cook said the routes were now well supported by the airlines, with three carriers offering flights on both – ensuring more options for travellers and better priced tickets. “With these new services, flights between Townsville and Sydney will increase almost 30 per cent compared to pre-COVID-19 levels and almost doubled on Townsville-Melbourne,” he said. “This is good news for travellers in North Queensland and the southern states, and will be welcomed by North Queensland tourism operators.” Qantas will start flying between Townsville and Melbourne and Sydney four times per week from today. And from tomorrow, Virgin Australia starts flying between Townsville and Sydney and Melbourne three times per week. Mr Cook said as the airport became busier, it was important that passengers were patient and continued with COVID-19 safe practices. “We thank everyone for their help and understanding during this period when so many friends and family will be reuniting after a long separation,” he said. “Signage is in place throughout the terminal to encourage the wearing of facemasks, checking in, physical distancing and increased hygiene practices. ”Mr Cook said work had continued on the $15.5 million Townsville Airport upgrades while the airport had been quieter and these projects would be complete next year.