General News
14 October, 2025
Jetstar axes red-eye flights
THE red-eye flights operated by Jetstar between Cairns and Perth are no more, with the airline trialling daytime services from late November until March next year.
On Wednesdays the route will leave Cairns at 12.05pm, arriving at 3pm, instead of departing at 7.15pm. It returns at 4.15pm, arriving at 10.35pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the departure time will be 11.20am to arrive at 2.15pm, returning at 3.05pm to arrive at 9.25pm. Previously it was leaving at 11.05pm.
The airline said the change was after customer feedback for more convenient travel options on the route.
“Travellers will now be able to fly in daylight hours, removing red-eye flights and making the journey more relaxed, better timed and easier to fit into holiday plans,” an airline spokeswoman said.
“The retimed service will operate three times per week from late November (21) until March 2026.
“During the December–January peak period, services will increase to four times per week, with an additional fifth overnight flight retained to meet demand.
“While the time changes are not permanent, we will closely monitor route performance as we continue looking for opportunities to improve flight access.”
Jetstar commercial planning executive manager Lyle Brownscombe said the airline knew customers valued convenience “and shifting our Cairns–Perth flights to daytime means travellers can arrive refreshed and ready to explore”.
“This route has always been popular and we’re confident the new schedule – running from November to March – will make it even more attractive,” he said.
“We’ll be listening closely to feedback to see how the temporary change works for our customers.
“Whether you’re heading to the Reef or the west coast, our new flight schedule is designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable.”
Fares are currently available from as low as $209 between Cairns and Perth.
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