The first direct flight to Ballina-Byron Bay will depart from the Canberra Airport this afternoon, as domestic travel restrictions in parts of the country continue to ease.
Canberra Airport announced the commencement of the flights on 19 June with national carrier, Fly Pelican, scheduled to depart at 2.20pm today.
Canberra Airport Head of Aviation Michael Thomson said the flights had come just in time for the start of ACT winter school holidays.
“The warm sunshine of the far north NSW coast is calling Canberrans; the stunning Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads areas of Northern NSW are now within our reach in only two hours with Fly Pelican,” he said.
“Everyone wants a holiday this time of year and with school holidays coming up and the flight schedule designed to allow for luxurious long weekends, flights are filling up fast.”
Ticket prices start from $299 one-way between the two destinations, with flights running three times a week.
Mr Thomson said the flights were not only a good opportunity for Canberrans to travel, but also to bring people into the region.
“These flights provide a great opportunity to bring visitors to each of the Canberra and Northern Rivers regions—for a greatly-needed boost to each local economy,” he said.
With no travel restrictions between the ACT and NSW, travellers are free to move between the jurisdictions without a quarantine period.
Direct flights to Adelaide have also resumed today, however the South Australian Borders remain closed to residents of the ACT, who will have to quarantine on their arrival.
An announcement from the South Australian Premier on the matter was expected at some point this week.
Return flights to and from Canberra have continued to increase in past weeks, with Virgin announcing on Thursday it would resume direct flights to the Gold Coast from 13 July.
