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Subscriber only Qantas will add three new routes and extra seats to the NSW north coast from April 1. The airline will launch three new routes to both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay/Ballina, to support growing demand for holidays within Australia. A new Canberra to Byron Bay service will be Qantas first ever direct service connecting the two destinations. The carrier will offer two flights per week with the turboprop Q400 aircraft. Flights will initially operate in April and Qantas will look to continue the service from July, in line with demand. More seats will also be added 500 extra seats between Sydney and Coffs Harbour with the introduction of Qantas larger two-class B717 aircraft during the April school holidays, operating alongside the Q400 which also operate on the route.
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North coast residents are concerned inbound flights from Melbourne are continuing to fly into Ballina despite Victoria being placed into lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak.
The Victorian Government on Friday announced the five-day lockdown, which is due to expire on Wednesday, after growing concern over a COVID-19 cluster. The arrivals information screen at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport on July 3.
A Jetstar spokesman confirmed on Friday there were no cancellations planned for the daily direct flights between Melbourne and Ballina.
However, the spokesman said this decision will be reviewed daily.
Jetstar is the only carrier currently offering direct flights from Victoria to the Northern Rivers.