Fraser Coast flights soar with Qantas and Jetstar

Travel between Hervey Bay and Brisbane is set to soar again, as Qantas reinstates early morning and evening flights from October.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the flights will depart Brisbane for Hervey Bay at 6:10pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with return services at 6:30am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“The return of these flights is fantastic news for the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“Early morning and evening services will make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to connect with both domestic and international markets via Brisbane.

“These flights also offer greater convenience for business travellers, enabling same-day return trips to Brisbane that align with typical working hours.

“The flights will launch in October and run as a trial through to the end of March 2026.

“I encourage residents to support this improved service - it’s a boost for tourism, business and the local economy, and a clear sign of growing confidence in our region.”

QantasLink Chief Operating Officer Nick Collie said the improved schedule will open up more opportunities for day trips to Brisbane as well as improving onward connections.

“As an airline born in outback Queensland, we know how important connectivity is for many people living and working in regional Australia. We’re proud to be working closely with Fraser Coast Regional Council to deliver improvements to the schedule.

“The return of early morning and evening flights between Hervey Bay and Brisbane will make it easier for locals and visitors to travel, do business, and experience everything the idyllic Fraser Coast has to offer.”

Cr Seymour said this month also marks a major milestone for Jetstar - one full year of direct return flights connecting Hervey Bay and Melbourne.

“Over the past twelve months, this route has brought more than 50,000 visitors keen to explore iconic Fraser Coast experiences like K’gari, Lady Elliott Island, and humpback whale encounters,” he said.

“The route has proven so popular that Jetstar is set to increase flights from three to four return services a week from October - a clear sign of strong demand from both Fraser Coast locals and Melburnians.

“This service has made it easier for more people to experience everything the Fraser Coast has to offer. It’s brought more visitors, more tourism dollars and more opportunities for our local businesses.

“To meet growing demand, Jetstar also recently announced it will also increase flights between Hervey Bay and Sydney from October, with daily services scheduled for the peak summer holiday season.

“The increased capacity on Jetstar’s Hervey Bay services will add over 38,000 low fare seats for travellers each year, making it easier than ever to explore the stunning Fraser Coast.

“It’s been an incredible 12 months, with Jetstar expanding services to Melbourne and Sydney, and Qantas enhancing its schedule to better support the needs of our growing region.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council and Fraser Coast Tourism and Events continue to work closely with Jetstar and Qantas to grow air connectivity and support tourism and business opportunities across the region.”