Virgin Australia expands network adds new routes

Virgin Australia is dramatically increasing its Australian domestic network after the state of Victoria lifted its COVID-19 lockdown. The airline is also launching two new routes from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast and from Melbourne to Ballina Byron (Byron Bay). The airline is expanding frequencies across Australia to key leisure destinations such as Cairns, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine), Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ballina Byron (Byron Bay), Launceston, Hobart, Broome, and Kununurra. Virgin Australia’s booking policy allows for waiving change and cancellation fees for bookings made before April 30, 2021, for travel until January 31, 2022. Virgin Australia Group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka urged Australians to support the tourism industry. “The tourism industry depends on all of us getting out and safely enjoying the company of family, friends, and great adventures. “We have all worked hard to get to a place where we can enjoy these travel opportunities once again, with the added benefit of supporting vital jobs in our tourism destinations. READ: New MH370 debris washed up in South Africa. “Our flexible flying policy gives confidence for travelers planning ahead these Easter School holidays, and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine adds to the positive momentum around us. There’s a lot to look forward to this Easter,” Ms. Hrdlicka said. “We are making it easier and more affordable for travelers to take a holiday with many more options for travel direct to key leisure destinations.” The expanded frequencies will be available for booking later today at virginaustralia.com Details of the route expansion are: New direct services • Adelaide – Sunshine Coast (Four return services per week from 30 March to 25 April) • Melbourne – Ballina, Byron Bay (Up to six return services per week from 29 March to 25 April) Expanded frequencies • Brisbane – Cairns (up to 33 return services per week by 11 April) • Sydney - Cairns (up to 14 return services per week by 11 April) • Melbourne - Cairns (up to 10 return services per week by 4 April) • Brisbane – Hamilton Island (up to 12 return services per week by 4 April) • Brisbane – Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) (up to 9 return services per week by 4 April) • Sydney – Sunshine Coast (up to 14 return services per week by 4 April) • Melbourne – Sunshine Coast (up to 18 return services per week by 4 April) • Sydney – Gold Coast (up to 55 return services per week by 11 April) • Melbourne – Gold Coast (up to 38 return services per week by 4 April) • Adelaide – Gold Coast (up to 10 return services per week by 4 April) • Canberra – Gold Coast (up to 9 return services per week by 4 April) • Sydney – Ballina/Byron Bay (up to 14 return services per week by 4 April) • Perth – Broome (up to 11 return services per week by 11 April) • Perth – Kununurra (up to 5 return services per week by 4 April) • Brisbane - Launceston (up to 4 return services per week by 4 April) • Brisbane - Hobart (up to 10 return services per week by 4 April) • Melbourne - Hobart (up to 26 return services per week by 4 April) • Melbourne – Launceston (up to 21 return services per week by 4 April)