Gold Coast makes history as first destination from Western Sydney International Airport

Gold Coast Airport has made history, welcoming the first ever commercial flight from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) as Jetstar's JQ362 touched down on the Gold Coast this morning at 11:25am.

The arrival marks a significant milestone in Australian aviation, with WSI the first new major airport to open in Australia in more than 50 years, prompting extraordinary interest from travellers eager to secure a seat on the inaugural service.

The fully sold-out flight was farewelled in Western Sydney by the Prime Minister, before Jetstar CEO Steph Tully and Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell joined 180 passengers on board for the momentous journey.

They were welcomed by Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans and Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell as they touched down on the Gold Coast to a Jetstar themed celebration in the airport's Transition Hall.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the inaugural service represented an exciting new chapter for both airports and the millions of passengers travelling between the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, and Sydney each year.

"Today is a historic day not only for the Gold Coast and Western Sydney, but for Australian aviation," Ms Evans said.

“Gold Coast Airport was the fastest-growing major airport in Australia last year and being chosen as the very first destination from Western Sydney International Airport is another significant milestone for our airport and a strong vote of confidence in our region.

“The Sydney-Gold Coast corridor is one of the busiest aviation routes in the country, carrying more than 2.6 million passengers annually, with passenger growth outpacing seat availability over the past year.

“This new service will help meet that growing demand, while providing greater choice for travellers and strengthening connections between two of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.”
Jetstar will operate the service daily between Western Sydney International Airport and the Gold Coast, providing more than 131,000 seats annually.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the Gold Coast was an easy choice for the inaugural flight’s destination.

"The Gold Coast is one of Australia's favourite holiday spots and the demand we've seen proves it.

"Queensland has always been a big part of the Jetstar story, and these new routes will bring thousands more people to and from the Sunshine State for less.

"More visitors means more people spending time and money with local businesses on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. And for Queenslanders heading south, it's another easy, affordable option."

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, said the historic Jetstar flight was another major win in the Crisafulli Government’s push to make Queensland Australia’s tourism capital.

“This historic service is a big win for the Gold Coast, bringing more interstate visitors to our State, more customers through the doors of local businesses, and more shifts for Queensland workers.

“We’re doing the deals to bring more airlines and mor visitors to Queensland because we want every region to share in the benefits of a stronger tourism industry.”