A long-missing link in Queensland’s tourism map has been reconnected, with East Air launching the first direct flights between Cairns and Hamilton Island since before the pandemic.
The inaugural service took off from Cairns on Monday morning, marking the start of a new year-round connection between two of the state’s most popular holiday destinations.
The new year-round operation runs twice per week (Monday and Friday), with an additional Sunday flight to take off in February.
The approximately 70-minute journey not only trims travel time but also promises to unlock major tourism and economic benefits for both regions.
“The service is designed to better serve travellers, both domestic and international,” East Air Managing Director Alan Milne said.
“We have created a seamless corridor between two Great Barrier Reef gateways, which means visitors don’t have to choose between one or the other.
“It is particularly attractive for international tourists who may not often visit regional Queensland. Our connection can be integrated into a customer’s door-to-door itinerary, so it’s really taking the guess work out of holiday planning by removing lengthy airport transfer periods and additional travel costs.”
According to industry leaders, the route’s return comes amid surging demand, with the first service almost full and forward bookings already surpassing expectations.
“We are thrilled to announce Sunday flights are now on sale, in addition to our Monday and Friday services. This will be an ideal schedule for a two-night, weekend getaway – down on Friday morning and back on Sunday afternoon,” Milne stated.
“As a locally owned carrier, we understand the value and importance of regional air connectivity. Residents in Tropical North Queensland and the Whitsundays are excited to have another convenient holiday option.
“Sales are strong and building, and we’re thrilled with how quickly the flights are returning to their previous passenger loads, when Qantas flew this route pre-COVID.”
Prior to the pandemic, capacity on the route reached almost 37,000 seats per year.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the launch will encourage more travellers to fly directly into Cairns to start their holiday.
“Our international passenger numbers reached a 20-year high in 2024, and we are pleased to see that positive growth continue,” he said.
“East Air’s direct link to Hamilton Island will enable visitors to plan their perfect tropical getaway without needing to stop in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
“It will encourage longer stays and increased regional spending, which offers a range of community-wide benefits.”
A nearly 25 per cent increase on the previous financial year, international tourism revenue in Tropical North Queensland reached $1.2 billion for 2024-25.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday, and we have no shortage of unique destinations spread out across our state,” Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said.
“Connectivity is not just an expectation of our visitors, it’s a core network that locals deserve too, which is why this forms one of the core pillars of Destination 2045.
“Opening up our state is a great way to boost visitor economies across our iconic regions, and I’m excited to see more routes in the future.”
Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the destinations is “delighted to see such strong early demand for the route”.
“The revitalised East Air service opens new markets as the Whitsundays prepare to host sailing at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he remarked.
“Together with East Air and Cairns Airport, we’re restoring a seamless link across the Reef and showcasing Queensland – from reef and rainforests to icons like Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, right on our doorstep.”
Qantas also flies to Hamilton Island from Sydney, while QantasLink flies to the island from Brisbane and Melbourne. Virgin Australia operates non-stop flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Check out Hamilton Island’s newest boutique hotel, The Sundays, which officially opened earlier this year.
