Friday, May 16, 2025
Jetstar Airways has announced a significant expansion of its services between Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) and two of Australia’s largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, adding over 49,000 seats to these popular routes from July through October 2025.
This expansion coincides with Jetstar’s 21st birthday celebrations and will contribute to an unprecedented total of 600,000 seats offered by all airlines on Sydney and Melbourne services during this peak travel period—the highest in the airport’s history.
The increased capacity is made possible through the introduction of additional flights and the deployment of larger aircraft on these routes, responding directly to growing passenger demand for convenient, affordable travel options connecting the Sunshine Coast with major urban centers.
Sunshine Coast Airport Marks Record-Breaking Seat Capacity and Growing Travel Demand
Chris Mills, CEO of Sunshine Coast Airport, highlighted the importance of this milestone in supporting regional connectivity and tourism development:
“Sydney and Melbourne are our core markets and there is clearly strong demand from travellers seeking both leisure and business opportunities. Adding 49,000 seats is a significant win for the Sunshine Coast community and visitors alike.”
Mills further emphasized the benefits of the increased seat capacity:
“This record capacity means travellers have more choice, flexibility, and convenience in their travel plans, whether they are locals escaping for a weekend getaway or southerners visiting to experience the Sunshine Coast’s unique attractions.”
The announcement also reflects the airport’s role in Queensland’s broader tourism and economic growth strategy, as outlined by the Queensland Government’s Tourism and Events Queensland initiatives to stimulate regional travel and support visitor arrivals outside metropolitan hubs.
Jetstar’s Strategic Growth on the Sunshine Coast Network
Lyle Brownscombe, Executive Manager of Commercial Planning at Jetstar, explained that this latest increase builds on recent network expansions:
“This is the third network enhancement we’ve made in just six months, including the launch of new routes to Auckland and Cairns last December. We are thrilled to offer travellers more budget-friendly flights to and from the Sunshine Coast, especially during the peak winter months.”
Jetstar’s investment aligns with the Australian Government’s Aviation 2050 plan, which seeks to improve domestic aviation infrastructure and services to support regional economies and tourism.
The additional flights are expected to appeal particularly to southern Australians seeking warm-weather escapes during Queensland’s winter season, a trend supported by visitor data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) showing increased demand for domestic leisure travel to regional destinations.
Impact on Queensland Tourism and Regional Economy
Sunshine Coast Airport’s expanded connectivity plays a critical role in advancing Queensland’s tourism objectives. According to the Queensland Tourism Strategy 2030, growing regional access and airline capacity are essential to attracting more visitors, increasing length of stay, and dispersing tourism spending more evenly across the state.
The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches, national parks, and lifestyle attractions, drawing domestic and international tourists year-round. The expanded Jetstar services will enhance access, supporting local businesses in hospitality, retail, and entertainment.
Further, the Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport notes that improved air services contribute to economic diversification and employment growth in regional areas.
Supporting National Aviation and Infrastructure Initiatives
This seat capacity increase dovetails with federal initiatives focused on bolstering Australia’s aviation sector and regional airports. The Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has prioritized investments in airport upgrades and route development to facilitate domestic tourism and business travel.
Sunshine Coast Airport’s recent infrastructure enhancements, including runway improvements and terminal expansions, position it to accommodate growing passenger volumes and larger aircraft, reinforcing its status as a vital gateway for Queensland’s tourism economy.
Passenger Experience and Travel Convenience
The additional Jetstar flights will provide passengers with more flight times and flexible options, reducing congestion and enabling smoother connections. With the inclusion of larger aircraft on key routes, customers can expect enhanced comfort and service quality.
Jetstar continues to focus on offering low-cost fares combined with a reliable schedule, meeting the needs of cost-conscious travellers seeking direct and efficient travel to the Sunshine Coast.
Future Outlook for Sunshine Coast Air Services
As travel demand recovers strongly post-pandemic, Sunshine Coast Airport anticipates sustained growth in passenger numbers, supported by continued airline partnerships and route development.
Jetstar’s seat increase is expected to stimulate further demand, with tourism bodies projecting rising visitor numbers through to 2030. Ongoing collaboration between airport authorities, airlines, and government agencies will be crucial to maintaining momentum and delivering seamless travel experiences.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Jetstar adds 49,000 seats on Sunshine Coast to Sydney and Melbourne routes, effective July–October 2025.
- Total seats on Sydney and Melbourne services across all airlines will reach a record 600,000 for the peak period.
- Expansion includes additional flights and larger aircraft to meet growing leisure and business travel demand.
- Sunshine Coast Airport CEO highlights enhanced travel choice and regional economic benefits.
- Jetstar’s network expansion also includes new routes to Auckland and Cairns launched in December 2024.
- Queensland Government and Tourism Queensland support increased connectivity as part of regional tourism growth strategies.
- Aligns with Australian Government’s aviation and infrastructure development policies to boost domestic air travel.
Conclusion
Jetstar’s significant increase in capacity at Sunshine Coast Airport marks a milestone for regional aviation and tourism in Queensland. By delivering more seats and flights on key routes to Sydney and Melbourne, Jetstar is meeting strong travel demand while supporting the Sunshine Coast’s economic vitality.
This development is a testament to the collaborative efforts of airlines, airport authorities, and government agencies to enhance Australia’s domestic air travel network and provide travelers with more accessible, affordable, and flexible travel options.
