QANTAS will triple the number of services operating between Mildura Airport and Melbourne by the end of the month, the airline announced on Thursday.
Due to coronavirus restrictions and their impact on travel, Qantas has in recent months been running two weekly return flights between Mildura and the state capital.
The airline announced an increase to six return services.
Across its network, Qantas said its capacity was increasing from 5 per cent of pre-coronavirus levels to 15 per cent.
Additional flights could be added in July, up to as much as 40 per cent of regular capacity, although this was said to be dependent on travel demand and possible relaxation of state border rules.
Qantas was contacted for comment about the status of its yet-to-be-launched Mildura to Sydney route, which was due to take off in March before the COVID-19 crisis put those plans on hold.
In response, a spokeswoman said: “As restrictions ease and demand grows we will continue to review our network.”
Chief executive Alan Joyce on Thursday said customers were increasingly looking to book flights and make travel plans.
“The one million people who work in tourism around Australia have really been hurting over the past few months,” Mr Joyce said.
“These additional flights are an important first step to help get more people out into communities that rely on tourism and bring a much-needed boost to local businesses.”
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council welcomed the announcement, saying it would help Australians book their trips in time for the winter school holidays.
