Queensland takes off with new global and Trans-Tasman flight routes 

The Crisafulli Government is set to welcome thousands of new international visitors each week thanks to three major flight services launching under the Government’s Connecting Queensland Fund. 

To bring more visitors to our State and make it easier for them to travel, the Crisafulli Government has launched the Connecting Queensland Fund to attract more direct flights for international and domestic tourists as part of Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future.   

Virgin Australia’s new Brisbane-Doha route, operated in partnership with Qatar Airways, will create exciting opportunities for travel and trade between Queensland the Middle East, and on to more than 180 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa. 

Serviced by Boeing 777-300 aircraft, the two-year deal is set to add up to 129,000 inbound seats annual and inject more than $90 million in overnight visitor expenditure. 

Jetstar is also expanding its Trans-Tasman network with two new direct routes to the Gold Coast.  

Tri-weekly services from Dunedin and Hamilton mark Jetstar’s first ever direct flights from both cities, delivering more than 174,000 inbound seats and $99.3 million in overnight visitor expenditure into one of Queensland’s tourism heartlands over three years.  

All three routes, which were signed under the formerly named Attracting Aviation Fund, are supported by the Queensland Government’s strategic investment fund designed to grow international aviation access, support tourism operators and strengthen the economy.  

Tourism is a key priority for the Crisafulli Government – with a plan to grow the industry to $84 billion by 2045 - after a decade of Labor failure and planned budget cuts that would have reduced programs and services. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the new routes firmly positioned South East Queensland as a major gateway to Australia. 

“This is our new 20-year tourism plan - Destination 2045 - in action, building strong global connections, growing sustainable visitation and ensuring Queensland tourism thrives for the next 20 years and beyond,” Minister Powell said. 

“These new routes mean more tourists enjoying everything Queensland has to offer, giving visitors from all over the world affordable ways to reach our communities, boosting business for Queensland tourism operators. 

“This Government is making our State the most accessible and attractive destination in the country. More direct flights mean more visitors, more tourism dollars and more jobs for locals.  

“These new flights show what’s possible when Government and industry work together. We’re sending a clear message, Queensland is open, connected and ready to welcome the world.” 

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff hailed Virgin Australia’s new daily flights as a major leap forward for Queensland’s connectivity with Europe. 

“This marks the most significant increase in capacity between Queensland and Europe in the past two years, and we’re confident these new daily flights will boost tourism, strengthen international ties, and support Queensland’s exporters.  

“It’s fantastic news for the Brisbane-headquartered airline and even better news for travelers and Queensland's tourism-driven economy.”  

Cathay Pacific has also announced that its Hong Kong to Brisbane service will move to “double-daily” from October increasing flights to 14 per week, further expanding in bound tourism seats to Queensland.