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Virgin Australia has announced it will introduce two new routes and several expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, with new direct services between Adelaide-Sunshine Coast and Melbourne-Ballina Byron (Byron Bay), which they say will initially operate across the Easter holiday period from 29 March 2021 until 25 April 2021, with lead-in economy class fares available from $129 one way*.

Virgin Australia says that the new direct services will add more than 13,000 seats across 37 return flights to the airline’s network, as well as offer a range of benefits such as time-savings and convenience for travellers and Virgin Australia expects to extend the flights beyond the Easter period subject to easing border restrictions.

They also say that expanded frequencies to key leisure destination such as Cairns, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine), Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ballina Byron (Byron Bay), Launceston, Hobart, Broome and Kununurra will also be added across the Easter holiday period as border restrictions ease and the airline shifts its focus to rebuilding domestic capacity.

Recognising the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine from next week and an end to Victoria’s circuit-breaker action today, the airline says that its flexible flying policy is supporting travellers by waiving change and cancellation fees for bookings made before 30 April 2021, for travel until 31 January 2022.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the best way to support those doing it tough this Easter is to go out and explore the incredible holiday experiences on offer across Australia, adding, “The tourism industry depends on all of us getting out and safely enjoying the company of family, friends and great adventures,” and  “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.

She added, “Our flexible flying policy gives confidence for travellers planning ahead these Easter School holidays, and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine adds to the positive momentum around us”, and “There’s a lot to look forward to this Easter.”

She said, “We are making it easier and more affordable for travellers to take a holiday with many more options for travel direct to key leisure destinations.”

The launch of new direct services between Adelaide-Sunshine Coast this Easter also coincides with the unveiling of Virgin Australia’s new-look Adelaide Lounge, which will officially open its doors on Tuesday 23 February 2021.

The new direct services are as follows: –

  • 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)

The expanded frequencies are:

  • 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)

The new direct services and expanded frequencies will be available for booking later today on line through Virgin Australia or through OTA’s and your chosen travel agency.

A report by John Alwyn-Jones