Jetstar to operate first flights to Avalon in almost nine months

Melbourne’s second airport will get some Christmas cheer with Jetstar flying to Avalon for the first time in almost nine months from December 18. Better still, the low-cost carrier is offering fares on the twice-daily service from $71 one-way. READ: COVID vaccine news sends airlines soaring The return follows the New South Wales government’s announcement last week that borders will open to Victoria. This will be the first time Jetstar has operated between the two destinations since March 31 and represents around 40 percent of flights on the route compared to the same time last year. “We’re excited to bring back low fares to Avalon, helping to reconnect family and friends and give more people the opportunity for a holiday after what has been a tough period for many,’’ said Jetstar chief executive Gareth Evans. “We’ve seen huge demand for flights between Victoria and New South Wales since last week’s announcement, so we expect travelers will be quick to take advantage of our low fares out of Avalon. “As well as providing a direct link to Sydney, the resumption of services will help boost tourism back into Victoria, with Avalon being the gateway to the state’s famous Great Ocean Road.” The airline said it would continue to monitor the easing of restrictions between Victoria and other states and will add more flights from Avalon where there is demand. It said customers with existing bookings between Avalon and Sydney prior to December 18, as well as customers with existing bookings to Gold Coast and Adelaide in December (where the borders have not opened to Victoria), will be contacted in the coming days with a range of alternative options. The Qantas Group has been pushing hard to get domestic borders re-opened and has been particularly critical of the Queensland government’s decision not to open up to the Greater Sydney region. The group has announced nine new routes since border restrictions began easing in September, including three from Canberra. They are: Canberra-Sunshine Coast, Canberra-Cairns, Canberra-Hobart, Perth-Hobart, Sydney-Merimbula, Brisbane-Tamworth, Brisbane-Port Macquarie, Sydney-Launceston and Canberra-Gold Coast.