Sunday didn’t just mark the first day of spring for South Australians – it also marked the start of the first-ever non-stop flights between Adelaide and the Whitsundays.
Linking one of Australia’s favourite holiday regions with one of the country’s major hubs, the new service will operate three times per week – on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Until 5 October, flight JQ842 will depart Adelaide (ADL) at 3pm and arrive in the Whitsundays (PPP) at 6.20pm, with JQ843 leaving PPP at 6.55pm and landing in ADL at 9.15pm
From 6 October, Queensland arrival and departure times will be an hour earlier due to daylight savings.
“Our new direct flights between Adelaide and the Whitsundays will allow up to 58,000 customers for the very first time to fly direct between these two destinations,” Jetstar’s Head of Customer Jenn Armor said.
“Our crew is looking forward to welcoming customers on board these new services which opens another direct link between South Australia and Queensland, supporting tourism in both states.”
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said, “We’re excited that Jetstar is connecting two great destinations offering distinct travel experiences”.
“With a flight time of less than three hours, you could be sipping a Barossa red over lunch and taking a sunset swim in the Coral Sea in the evening,” he remarked.
“Whitsunday Coast Airport is the perfect arrivals point for all of the wonderful activities available across the Whitsundays and just a 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach.
“This is great news for South Australians wanting to head to the azure waters of the Whitsundays, but equally we expect Queenslanders will be heading south to sample our State’s amazing food, wine and unique outback and wildlife experiences.”
Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins said the new direct flight route to Adelaide would greatly benefit local tourism.
“New routes like Adelaide are not just about adding more flights to our schedule, they represent a tremendous opportunity to open the Whitsunday region to a whole new market of visitors,” he added.
“With these flights, we’re making it easier than ever for people from across Australia to discover the Whitsundays.
“By increasing our accessibility, we’re broadening our appeal to a wider audience. Whether they’re coming here for the first time or returning to explore even more, these visitors are vital to the continued growth and sustainability of our Whitsunday tourism industry.
“This expanded connectivity also reinforces our position as a premier destination and signals to the world that the Whitsundays is open, accessible, and ready to provide unforgettable experiences.”
This week, Jetstar will also launch a new Aussie route to Bangkok and double WA-Singapore services.
