The Gold Coast has been named as the first ever route from Western Sydney International Airport, with Jetstar set to commence flights before the end of the year.

The service will run four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with the first flight to touch down at Gold Coast Airport on Sunday 25th of October.

Queensland Airports Limited’s CEO Amelia Evans said the announcement was exciting news for the Gold Coast region and a huge milestone for the aviation industry.

“We are thrilled to be working with Jetstar to connect Western Sydney International Airport’s very first passengers directly into the Gold Coast,” Ms Evans said. 

“The Sydney – Gold Coast route is the fourth busiest in the country, with up to 50 flights between the cities each day and over 2.5 million passengers a year, so this new route will provide customers with more options.

“It will also support the growing number of people living on the Gold Coast and travelling regularly to Sydney for work, while continuing to strengthen an already popular leisure market.

“Western Sydney International Airport will be a game changer for aviation in Australia and we’ve been proud to collaborate with the team there throughout the construction process to share insights from our recent $260 million terminal expansion at Gold Coast Airport.”

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said: “This is a major milestone for Australian aviation and one that has been years in the making. We’re incredibly proud that Jetstar will be the first Australian airline to begin operations at Western Sydney International Airport and Qantas will follow early next year. 

“We’re excited by the potential of Western Sydney International Airport to spur local tourism and make aviation more accessible for millions of people in Western Sydney, who currently have to travel to Kingsford Smith to catch a flight.  

 “Jetstar has an incredible history of growing new markets and being the first airline to launch will give one of the country’s fastest growing regions better access to low fares to some of our most popular destinations. 

 “We know there’s growing demand for customers in Western Sydney and we’re proud to be working with Gold Coast Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland to make our services to South East Queensland a reality. 

 “WSI will also become a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said growing aviation access was critical to unlocking Queensland’s tourism potential and delivering the long-term vision of Destination 2045. 

“When we launched Destination 2045, we would make it easier for people to visit Queensland, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.” Minister Powell said. 

“More flights mean more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for businesses and communities right across our State. 

“Queensland is the best place to visit in the world, and these new connections will help more people experience the iconic attractions and world-class experiences across our State that are second to none.”

Flights are on sale now from $59 at www.jetstar.com.