QantasLink has added Mount Gambier to its map with direct flights from Adelaide and Melbourne, marking the first time the national carrier has flown to the South Australian city.

The inaugural flights was welcomed with water canon salutes at Mount Gambier Regional Airport and Adelaide Airport along with celebrations with customers and community leaders.

QantasLink will operate five weekly return flights on both routes with its 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, with upgraded cabin interiors, offering 500 seats on the routes each week.

The new flights coincide with the launch of two other new QantasLink routes this week (Mar 29), from Melbourne to Albury and Wagga Wagga.

QantasLink CEO, John Gissing, said the new routes reinforced the airline’s commitment to regional Australia.

“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in driving tourism and supporting the industry in its recovery from COVID-19,” he said.

“We know Australians love to travel and many are looking to visit places they haven’t been before. The addition of Mount Gambier to our network will support the growing demand we’re seeing and help deliver a boost for local businesses.

“We’re working with tourism partners to promote the unique geographic landscape and world class wine of the Limestone Coast to millions of our frequent flyers around the country.

“The new flights will also offer locals more choice and competitive fares on what were previously monopoly routes, with seamless onward connections to our large domestic network through Adelaide and Melbourne.

“Our customers will also enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access in capital cities before they fly,” Gissing said.