Will there be a new international Australian airport in 2025? Once upon a time, Townsville Airport (TSV) serviced overseas flights, including to Bali and Singapore, but the Queensland hub hasn’t seen scheduled international flights since Jetstar wrapped up its nonstop Townsville-Denpasar (Bali) service some six years ago.
However, recent rumblings indicate the Australian airport is gearing up to welcome back international flights.
According to Amelia Evans, CEO of Queensland Airports (which runs Townsville Airport), $18 million has been invested in the hub since 2022, and the airport is planning a “return to international services” by 2025. Possible destinations include Bali and perhaps even Singapore, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Townsville Airport General Manager Brendan Cook said the hub was looking to grow significantly over the next five years, with a tripling of passenger numbers predicted.
This year has started strongly for TSV.
“February was our busiest February ever on record,” Cook said.
Among the Australian airport’s recent and current upgrades are an enhanced check-in area, improved security (where devices like laptops could stay in your bag), new energy-efficient escalators, extra seating in the main dining area and a new overflow car park.
“Right now we’re working on a solution to open 120 new parking bays in the short-term, and even more in the long-term,” Cook stated.
Future plans include lockers in car parks, the construction of more gates (from ten to 20) by expanding the airport to the north and shifting the hangers. There would also be a complete relocation of the general aviation area to the north.
But the Australian airport needs a few things to fall into place before its international expansion can be realised – like airlines to operate more aircraft.
The TSV boss said there are currently “not a lot of spare aircraft in Australia” ready to fly new routes.
“But we know there is a number (of planes) entering the market soon, when Qantas gets their A220 Airbuses and Virgin some Boeing 737 Maxs,” he added.
Cook also predicted cheaper fares for flyers over the next two to three years as new planes, plus disruptors like Bonza, enter the market.
Last month, Jetstar told Karryon that the airline currently had no plans to operate Townsville-Bali flights after rumours emerged that the airline could be reinstating non-stop Denpasar services.
The carrier said that while it was always looking at opportunities to expand its network, this route “is not on our radar”.
Queensland Airports also told Karryon at the time that its team is always in discussions with airlines to grow existing connections and establish new ones into Townsville Airport, but couldn’t confirm any firm plans.
With travel from Australia to Bali booming, the move wouldn’t come as a complete shock – especially given the North Queensland city has hosted non-stop flights to Bali in the past… twice – with Jetstar and Strategic Airlines. So this is a space worth watching.
In November 2023, Townsville became the first destination for flights out of Bonza’s new Gold Coast base.
