Jetstar Launches First Direct Flights from Brisbane to Bangkok, Reigniting Queensland-Thailand Connection
This Saturday, December 14th, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Queensland-Thailand travel as Jetstar inaugurated its first-ever direct flights from Brisbane to Bangkok. This highly anticipated route, operating three times a week using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners, is poised to become a game-changer for travelers seeking convenient and affordable access to Thailand’s vibrant capital.
The new service ends a nearly five-year gap in direct flights between the two cities, re-establishing a vital link for Queensland residents and boosting tourism in both regions. With flight times of just over eight hours, the direct route eliminates the need for lengthy connecting flights, offering travelers a significant time saving. Jetstar projects that the Brisbane-Bangkok route will transport over 100,000 passengers annually, injecting a substantial economic boost into Queensland’s tourism sector.
This route launch underscores Jetstar’s ongoing expansion in Queensland, where it has introduced an impressive 13 new domestic and international routes since the pandemic. This latest addition, their 14th route launched in Queensland this year, further establishes Jetstar as a key player in the Sunshine State’s aviation landscape. The timing of the launch, just weeks after the debut of several other new routes including flights to Osaka, Tokyo and Seoul, showcases their ambitious growth strategy.
To celebrate this exciting development, Jetstar is offering a limited-time introductory fare of just $292^ for one-way tickets, a deal available until midnight on the launch date. Travelers are encouraged to visit jetstar.com to secure these savings.
“This is our 20th Brisbane route, marking a period of massive expansion in low-fare flying from Brisbane and across the Sunshine State,” stated Ted Knight, Jetstar’s Head of Network, Fleet Strategy and Planning. “The sold-out inaugural flight demonstrates the significant demand for affordable travel to Bangkok.” Knight expressed gratitude for the support of the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport, highlighting the partnership’s role in making this expansion possible.
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, echoed this sentiment, noting the route as a “final piece of the post-pandemic puzzle.” He emphasized the high demand for a direct Brisbane-Bangkok service, stating that it’s been one of the most frequently requested routes over the past three years. De Graaff celebrated Jetstar’s contribution to Brisbane Airport’s international carrier rankings, elevating it from 7th to 2nd largest, showcasing the airline’s growing popularity and success in Queensland.
Queensland’s Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, highlighted the mutual benefits of the new route, emphasizing its positive impact on both inbound and outbound tourism for Queensland. He highlighted Brisbane as an excellent hub for accessing various destinations within Queensland, extending the benefits to the Gold Coast, Outback, and Whitsundays.
The inaugural flight schedule has been released, with flights JQ65 departing Brisbane (BNE) at 2:20 PM and arriving in Bangkok (BKK) at 7:30 PM (local times), operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights JQ66 depart Bangkok at 9:25 PM and arrive in Brisbane at 8:25 AM the following day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This new route signals a strong rebound for Queensland tourism and reinforces Jetstar’s commitment to delivering affordable travel options.
