Explore Victoria's Food Bowl as Direct Flights From the Sunshine Coast to Mildura Commence

As the roll out of their first flights continues Bonza today took to the skies, from their home base at Sunshine Coast Airport, headed for Mildura saving travellers hours and multiple flights to reach the heart of Victoria’s acclaimed Sunraysia region.

This historic flight will be the first time passengers from either destination have been able to fly directly between the Sunshine Coast and Mildura and is a major milestone that will see an increase in passenger numbers arriving into the Sunshine Coast with more than 43,000 seats available between the two destinations.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Andrew Brodie said the introduction of this historic new route will see increased travel between the two destinations, and is an important economic enabler that will have far reaching benefits.

“The Sunshine Coast is a very attractive holiday destination for Victorians, but up until now getting here from places like Mildura has not been straight forward. This new route will make it easy for travellers to visit for a holiday, to visit friends or to reconnect with family.

“As each of the Bonza first flights has commenced, we have seen time and again the delight from passengers who are able to visit a grandchild for the first time, or the ease in which someone can quickly see an ill relative and it reminds us that we are in the business of connecting people to the moments that matter most - it’s why we do what we do.

“These direct flights to Mildura are opening doors to the people of the Sunshine Coast who are hungry to explore new regions they may not have previously considered. Mildura is home to many incredible food and wine producers, all surrounded by the stunning Murray River, and with so much to see and do, travellers will be spoilt for choice.

“The introduction of this route has removed the hassle, cost and complexity of travelling between the Sunshine Coast and Mildura and Bonza will also get you there in less time. Previously passengers had to get themselves to Brisbane and then travel on to Mildura via Sydney or Melbourne. Already people are telling me that the simplicity this direct flight offers means they will be more likely to travel more often, which is great for both regions”, Mr Brodie said.

Bonza CEO, Tim Jordan, who was on board this historic flight said, “we are humbled to join customers on our first direct flight to Mildura from the Sunshine Coast today. Onboard are young families travelling to surprise grandparents who will get to see more of their grandkids now that it has become so much easier and affordable to fly. We’ve also got travellers visiting Mildura to explore its many great attractions including the Mildura 100 Ski Race held annually over Easter.”

The first inaugural flight between the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle and is one of 13 destinations Bonza will service from their home base on the Sunshine Coast and will operate two times per week including a Friday to Monday option for SE Queenslanders wanting a weekend away.

With Bonza anticipated to bring an additional 772,000 seats to the Sunshine Coast and generate an estimated $86million in domestic visitor spend in the first 12 months, bringing the Airport Master Plan 2040 to life is a priority for Mr Brodie.

“We are embarking on a period of significant growth and change which will benefit all of SE Qld and we are only just getting started. The first stage was completed in June 2020 when we opened the new longer and wider runway and over the coming years our domestic terminal will double in size, there will be an expansion of the Aerospace Precinct and our Southern Gateway will start to take shape.

“In fact, we will be investing up to $1B in infrastructure which will have a significant impact on the regional economy. We will create jobs, attract investment and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are building a legacy for generations to come and the Sunshine Coast Airport will play a pivotal role in firmly putting the Sunshine Coast on the map as a destination for business and pleasure.

“Our partnership with Bonza is an important milestone in our long term plans for Sunshine Coast Airport which will see us welcome greater volumes of travellers, opening up opportunities not previously available.

“We cannot wait to welcome visitors from across Australia traveling on these brand new routes,” Mr Brodie said.