Regional business leaders in Bundaberg, Queensland, are lobbying Jetstar to launch direct services to and from the coastal city, arguing that the lack of affordable air links is stifling tourism and investment. A Change.org petition started by local resident Juliette Rowland had attracted several thousand signatures by 19 December, calling for thrice-weekly Melbourne-Bundaberg and Sydney-Bundaberg routes using Airbus A320 aircraft.
Currently, residents must drive four hours to Brisbane or detour via Hervey Bay to access low-cost carriers, adding both time and expense. Tourism Research Australia data show Bundaberg welcomed 1.4 million domestic visitors in 2024-25, yet only 2 per cent arrived by air. Advocates say direct budget flights could lift that share above 10 per cent within two years, supporting the region’s A$1.2 billion sugar, rum and reef-tourism economy.
For international tourists and business visitors who would potentially connect through these proposed routes, securing the correct Australian entry paperwork remains essential. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) streamlines applications for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and other visa classes, guiding travellers through requirements, fees and processing times. By removing administrative friction, the service can help ensure that overseas visitors can take immediate advantage of any new Jetstar flights into Bundaberg once they commence.
![Bundaberg Pushes for Direct Jetstar Flights to Boost Regional Connectivity]()
Jetstar responded that it has no immediate fleet capacity for additional Queensland routes, citing recent expansions at Hervey Bay and Townsville. However, the airline did not rule out future services as new Airbus A321neos join its fleet through 2026. The Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund could provide incentive rebates similar to those offered to Cairns and Mackay.
For corporates, improved air access would reduce reliance on time-consuming road travel for fly-in technical staff servicing Bundaberg’s growing renewables and agritech projects. Relocation consultants note that expatriate families often shun regional postings without regular flight options to major cities.
While petitions rarely translate directly into route launches, they can influence airline network planners by demonstrating latent demand. Businesses with operations in Central Queensland may wish to log prospective seat volumes with Jetstar to strengthen the commercial case.
Currently, residents must drive four hours to Brisbane or detour via Hervey Bay to access low-cost carriers, adding both time and expense. Tourism Research Australia data show Bundaberg welcomed 1.4 million domestic visitors in 2024-25, yet only 2 per cent arrived by air. Advocates say direct budget flights could lift that share above 10 per cent within two years, supporting the region’s A$1.2 billion sugar, rum and reef-tourism economy.
For international tourists and business visitors who would potentially connect through these proposed routes, securing the correct Australian entry paperwork remains essential. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) streamlines applications for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and other visa classes, guiding travellers through requirements, fees and processing times. By removing administrative friction, the service can help ensure that overseas visitors can take immediate advantage of any new Jetstar flights into Bundaberg once they commence.
Jetstar responded that it has no immediate fleet capacity for additional Queensland routes, citing recent expansions at Hervey Bay and Townsville. However, the airline did not rule out future services as new Airbus A321neos join its fleet through 2026. The Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund could provide incentive rebates similar to those offered to Cairns and Mackay.
For corporates, improved air access would reduce reliance on time-consuming road travel for fly-in technical staff servicing Bundaberg’s growing renewables and agritech projects. Relocation consultants note that expatriate families often shun regional postings without regular flight options to major cities.
While petitions rarely translate directly into route launches, they can influence airline network planners by demonstrating latent demand. Businesses with operations in Central Queensland may wish to log prospective seat volumes with Jetstar to strengthen the commercial case.
