Business
26 August, 2025
Flights to island jewel
East Air to provide direct services between Cairns and Whitsundays
CAIRNS-based regional airline East Air has launched its first scheduled services between two iconic tourist destinations – Cairns and Hamilton Island.
Visitation is expected to climb at both locations as a result of the hour-long flights which will initially be three times a week from November 3.
East Air owner Alan Milne said the new service meant international and domestic visitors could include both iconic regions on their holiday itinerary.
He said he intended to expand the service with larger aircraft and increased frequency as passenger demand grew.
It is likely to be the first of more regular services from Cairns to other yet undisclosed locations.
“This is an ideal opportunity for holidaymakers to maximise their time in Queensland and experience both of these exceptional destinations without additional costly and unnecessary travel and transfers,” Mr Milne said.
“East Air has specialised in tailored charter flight services for more than 15 years. We are taking our operations to the next level by reviving a sought-after passenger service on this untapped route, which has potential to influence the future of regional Queensland tourism.”
Passenger flights have not operated between Cairns and Hamilton Island since the start of the COVID pandemic. At that time, almost 37,000 seats per year were carried between the two popular destinations by QantasLink.
Initially a 19-seater Beechcraft 1900D aircraft will be used and as demand grew the airline would start using a larger 26-50 seat Dash 8.
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said East Air would bridge a gap in the market and encourage more travellers to fly directly into Cairns to start their holiday in Queensland.
It comes off the back of Cairns Airport last week being crowned airport of the year for the third consecutive year in a row at the Australian Aviation Awards in Sydney.
“It is timely to be welcoming the return of a direct link to Hamilton Island as international visitor numbers to Cairns increase. This service will allow international tourists to explore Tropical North Queensland and enjoy the Whitsundays, without first requiring a stopover in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne,” Mr Barker said.
