New Qantas flight schedule to save costs at Ballina airport

OVERNIGHT Qantas services will return to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport from Monday, October 27, after being suspended in March 2024.

The new schedule will include early weekday morning and later evening flights, giving travellers same-day return options to Sydney.

From late November, Qantas will add five more return services between Ballina and Sydney, taking the total to 13 each week.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport manager Julie Stewart said the change would make it easier for locals to reach appointments in Sydney and connect with international flights.

“These services operated prior to COVID but were reduced and then suspended in March 2024 whilst the airline was adjusting and renewing their fleet,” Stewart said. “The reintroduction of these overnight services, together with daytime flights, ensures our regional communities have connections for all their travel purposes at times that better suit them.”

Qantas said there will be some temporary reductions on the Ballina to Sydney route until late November due to delays in the arrival of new Q400 aircraft from overseas.

The fleet renewal will standardise aircraft across its regional network.

“We’ve made a number of changes to our schedule between Ballina and Sydney to provide more convenience and choice for local residents,” a Qantas spokesperson said.