Airlines are moving to cater for expected increased demand for flights from Canberra to Queensland, with Qantas announcing it will introduce a new seasonal route to the Gold Coast.
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The Queensland government has lifted its travel ban for Canberra residents, with many expected to escape the capital for the school holidays in the coming weeks.
Qantas has decided to increase its flight offerings for a four-week holiday period, announcing four Canberra to the Gold Coast options for travellers.
It's the first time in 20 years the carrier has offered increased Gold Coast service, while flights from Canberra to Brisbane will increase from four to 14.
"This new flight means you leave Canberra at lunch and by mid-afternoon you can be sitting on the beach enjoying everything the Gold Coast has to offer," QantasLink chief executive John Gissing said.
"We know there is significant pent up demand for domestic travel with Australians wanting to explore their own backyard.
"We'll monitor demand on the route and if it proves successful, we could look to operating flights over the summer school holiday period."
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The changes will come into effect from September 25 to align with the school holiday period.
Canberra residents can now travel to Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory without having to complete a quarantine period.
There is hope Tasmania will follow soon, with the island state flagging a potential early end to its border restrictions. Tasmania initially said it was closed until December, but that timeframe could be revised to late October.
Queanbeyan, Yass, Cooma and Goulburn residents will not be eligible to travel from Canberra to Queensland unless they can prove they have been in quarantine in Canberra for two weeks, or complete quarantine upon arrival.
South Australia lifted its border restrictions to Canberra earlier this week, with passengers boarding the first direct flight to Adelaide on Thursday night.
But the chance to soak up some Queensland sun will entice plenty of Canberrans north, but they won't be able to drive because NSW has been deemed a COVID-19 hotspot by the Queensland government.
Gold Coast Airport chief operating officer Marion Charlton welcomed the Qantas Gold Coast-Canberra service, and the lifting of border restrictions by the Queensland government to the ACT more generally.
"This is another positive step for us and comes at the right time in the lead up to school holidays. It is great to have Qantas back flying between the Gold Coast and Canberra," she said.
The new Gold Coast services will operate on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday with fares starting at
Flights will depart Canberra at 12pm and arrive in the Gold Coast at 1.40pm before departing Gold Coast at 2.20pm arriving back in Canberra at 4.10pm.
