Jetstar will start running daily services between Avalon, VIC and the Gold Coast from this October.
The airline first announced its plans to increase flights in April but it had not confirmed when they would begin. Now it has locked in October 26 to take to the air.
The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) welcomed Jetstar’s announcement.
“Daily services between Avalon and the Gold Coast will help drive visitation and support industry growth in these two regions,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said today.
“The new daily flights are expected to add 65,000 passengers a year, providing a significant boost to the visitor economies in Queensland and Victoria.
“The Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, and these new services will make it even more accessible to holidaymakers.
“Likewise, Avalon is a major gateway to Melbourne, with great Victorian tourism landmarks such as the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road, as well as world-class events such as the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport.
“This announcement represents a fantastic win for the visitor economy in these two regions,” she said.
Minister for tourism and major events John Eren said the news was a real boost for Victoria and for the Geelong and Werribee regions in particular.
"With new daily flights to Avalon, more people will see Victoria's amazing attractions and visit our world renowned events," he told reporters.
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council said visits to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road would get a boost with direct access for the population of more than 500,000 people around the Gold Coast airport.