Tourism milestone highlights 20-years of flight service

BALLINA Byron Gateway Airport and Jetstar have celebrated 20 years of flight services to the region, marking a partnership that has carried more than five million passengers since 2005.

Nearly 40,000 Jetstar flights have flown in and out of the airport over the past two decades, supporting growth in the local tourism economy and improving access to major cities.

Ballina Shire mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the anniversary marked a proud milestone for the region.

“This is a wonderful achievement and a proud moment for our region,” Ms Cadwallader said.

“Jetstar has been a vital partner in connecting our community to key destinations across the country.

“This enduring partnership has contributed to the growth of our local economy and helped make our region more accessible to visitors from around Australia.”

Jetstar’s executive manager, customer, Jenn Armor, said the airport was one of Jetstar’s first destinations when the airline became operational.

“That very first flight from Sydney to Ballina marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership, built on shared growth, and a passion for making travel more accessible,” she said.

“We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in connecting this beautiful region with the rest of Australia.”

The airport opened in 1986 and was renamed Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in 2005.

It now handles more than 650,000 passengers per year, making it the second busiest airport in New South Wales behind Sydney.

A major runway overlay and terminal expansion were completed in 2023, including the laying of 15,000 tonnes of new asphalt to upgrade the surface and extend the runway’s lifespan by up to 10 years.