Queensland Government partners with airports in $200 million deal to secure international flights

In a deal announced today, the Queensland Government will partner with the private sector to secure more direct international flights to Queensland with government investing $100 million matched dollar-for-dollar by the state’s largest four airports - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns international airports.

The combined $200 million international aviation investment is predicted to deliver more than 5.3 million airline seats per year, generating almost $4 billion.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government’s investment aims to rebuild Queensland’s $6 billion international tourism industry and notes “we know that more flights means more tourists. That’s why international aviation connectivity is absolutely critical to the economic recovery of Queensland’s tourism industry.

“This is the largest investment of any Australian state or territory in securing inbound international flights after COVID-19.

“The agreement we’ve made this week will enable our airports to negotiate with airlines and fast-track more direct flights into Queensland.

“I want to see more planes landing at our major airports – filled with tourists who want to experience Queensland. That’s what this funding will help us achieve.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe added “our airport partnership will target the international flights suspended by the pandemic, as well as new overseas connections.

“Attracting international aviation is extremely competitive and that’s why we’re on the runway early to secure Queensland’s place on the destination boards of the world’s biggest airports.

“Queensland’s $200 million international aviation plan coincides with the pending launch of the successful ‘Good to Go’ campaign into Singapore and the UK.

“The domestic ‘Good to Go’ campaign generated $7 billion for Queensland tourism operators, who have been savaged by the loss of international visitors to the pandemic.

“Before Covid, international visitors spent two and half times more than interstate holidaymakers.

“Securing more international flights into Queensland airports also supports the State’s wider economy including food and freight exports and the return of up to 30,000 international students.

Brisbane Airports Corporation Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed BAC’s partnership with the State Government and advised “Today the Premier and the Minister have delivered for our industry, and the hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders - right across the state - who rely on a strong aviation sector.

“The combined power of BAC’s investment and the Government’s matching funds will ensure Brisbane Airport can continue to be Australia’s best gateway for many of our major international markets and will deliver passengers across our regional network to all parts of the state.”

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Chris Mills said Gold Coast international services would restart on Monday.

“This is fantastic news. The government has listened to the tourism and aviation industries and recognised the importance of supporting the restart of international services,” he said.

“It will take time for international travel to rebuild, but this funding will be critical in attracting airlines back to Queensland.

“This funding package will bring forward airline commitments, deliver more international visitors, and provide a much-needed boost for the local economy.”

Destination Gold Coast Chief EXecutive Patricia O’Callaghan said the announcement was a shot in the arm for tourism recovery.

“We know aviation attraction for new routes and services is the critical piece to recovery our industry has been calling for and this support will give Gold Coast’s tourism sector another reason to smile with an exceptionally bright future ahead,” O’Callaghan said.

MInister Hinchliffe also announced the appointment of experienced aviation professional Manny Gill to the new role of Strategic Aviation Director in the Department of Tourism to oversee the rebuild of Queensland domestic and international aviation routes.