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The local tourism industry is set for a blockbuster summer with the introduction of passenger flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Kiama’s doorstep.
Kiama Business Chamber has welcomed news that regional airline JetGo will be running direct flights from the Albion Park to and from Brisbane and Melbourne as early as October.
This week, Shellharbour City Council chose the carrier for the airport’s resurrected regular passenger service.
Along with tourism benefits, business chamber executive officer Seamus McAlary said Kiama, just 20 minutes from Albion Park, may also see an influx of new businesses setting up shop.
Kiama businesses looking to expand their reach will also benefit from the link.
“This opens new opportunities for interstate businesses from Melbourne and Brisbane that wish to expand their business activities into regional NSW and vice versa,” Mr McAlary.
“And any direct link between the Illawarra and interstate travellers from other major cities will be beneficial to the tourism industry in Kiama.”
JetGo’s managing director Paul Bredereck said the airline targeted Illawarra Regional Airport (IRA) because it was the only major Australian population centre that did not have scheduled services.
He said fares would be competitive with Qantas and Virgin “starting from $155 one way from to both Brisbane and Melbourne, with more than half of all seats available for under $200”.
