Winter’s looking warmer for the Sunshine Coast, with Jetstar adding 49,000 more seats between Sydney and Melbourne and setting the airport up for its biggest season ever.
Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) and Jetstar have confirmed more than 49,000 extra seats on flights between the Sunshine Coast and its two biggest domestic markets—Sydney and Melbourne—between July and October 2025.
The expanded capacity will push total seats on these routes across all carriers to a record 600,000 over the four-month period. That’s the highest ever seasonal total for the Queensland airport, and comes as Jetstar marks its 21st birthday.
The bump in capacity will come from both larger aircraft and increased frequency, with the peak winter window timed to capitalise on school holidays and demand from southern states looking to thaw out.
The extra seats also build on Jetstar’s recent route growth into the region, including services to Cairns and Auckland launched in December 2024. Compared to the same July–October window last year, Jetstar’s total Sunshine Coast capacity is up more than 30%.
More seats, more sales: What this means for the trade
The move signals two key opportunities for the trade:
- Increased availability during peak months—including July school holidays and spring break periods
- More consistent low-fare options for both outbound locals and inbound visitors from NSW and Victoria
It’s also a sharp reminder that demand for short-haul winter sun escapes is back in full swing—particularly to domestic beach destinations that require no passport and minimal planning.
For agents, that means a stronger case for Queensland bookings over Bali or Fiji during key family travel windows.
Who’s cashing in?
SCA CEO Chris Mills said the capacity boost was both a win for locals and a clear sign of the region’s growing tourism appeal.
“Sydney and Melbourne are our core markets and we know the travel demand is there,” Mills said.
“Adding 49,000 seats is a huge win for travellers whether they are locals looking to getaway for a weekend, or southerners coming to the Sunshine Coast to experience our incredible region.
“Record capacity on these services will provide more choice, flexibility and convenience for travellers at a time that works for them. We thank Jetstar for their support to better connect the Sunshine Coast.”
Three expansions in six months: Jetstar’s on a roll
Jetstar’s Executive Manager Commercial Planning, Lyle Brownscombe, said the carrier was responding to strong and growing demand for Sunshine Coast flights.
“This is the third time we’ve expanded our Sunny Coast network in the past six months—with flights to Auckland and Cairns launching last December—and we’re excited to be giving travellers even more budget friendly flights to and from the region,” Brownscombe said.
“July to October are some of the best months to visit Queensland and we expect these extra seats to be really popular with southerners looking for a winter escape.”
Jetstar turns 21—and doubles down on Sunshine Coast
The announcement also coincides with Jetstar’s 21st birthday, marking two decades of growth for the low-cost airline—and a clear strategy to strengthen domestic leisure corridors that connect capital cities with lifestyle destinations.
With winter capacity now up more than 30% on 2024 figures, the expansion points to stronger-than-expected demand—and Jetstar’s willingness to chase it.
For travel agents, this could signal more to come across similar routes, particularly where pent-up demand and consistent load factors are in play.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Jetstar’s 49,000-seat uplift into Sunshine Coast is a sharp signal that domestic leisure travel is heating up for winter 2025. Trade should take note of increased seat availability, competitive fares, and a clear preference for local sun escapes over long-haul.
