Jetstar will extend its direct Sunshine Coast to Cairns service through to October 2027, adding more than 34,000 seats to a route originally scheduled to run only until March 2027.
Only direct link between the two regions
The seasonal service, which launched in December 2024, operates up to four return flights weekly and remains the only direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns. Flights pause over February and early March before resuming three times weekly from 30 March 2027, with one-way fares from $94.
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Chris Mills said the extension reflected strong demand for the route.
“Direct flights like this are incredibly valuable to our region, making it easier for people to travel for holidays, visit friends and family, and connect with other parts of Queensland,” Mills said.
“The extension of this service is a strong vote of confidence in the demand for direct travel between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns.”
Jetstar executive manager commercial Scott Zeglin said Queensland remained a priority market for the airline.
“Connecting regional centres across the state is a core part of our domestic network. Extending our Cairns to Sunshine Coast route to October next year means more customers can visit family and friends or take a holiday with our low fares,” Zeglin said.
Parking discount marks extension
To mark the extension, Sunshine Coast Airport is offering a 30 per cent parking discount across the airport with no stay restrictions, available now until 7 October 2026 using code CAIRNS, applicable to arrivals and departures between 12 April and 15 September 2027.
Sunshine Coast Airport connects to domestic and international destinations including Adelaide, Auckland, Bali, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney, with passenger numbers reaching 1.8 million in 2026 and projected to grow to 2.4 million by 2030.
