With Australia easing its travel restrictions, Qantas and Jetstar are boosting its domestic and regional services for June and July. Altogether, capacity will increase from five percent to 15 percent by the end of this month. Qantas announced today that there will be over 300 more return flights per week by the time next month begins.

Qantas and Jetstar
Australian carriers would also appreciate a Trans-Tasman bubble. Photo: Getty Images

Better connectivity

According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, there will likely be even more flights in action during July. There could be an increase to up to 40 percent of the group's pre-coronavirus domestic capacity. However, these operations depend on demand and further relaxations in state border policies.

Nonetheless, there will be more flights to capital cities. The route between Melbourne and Sydney will be notably busier, with 12 weekly return flights provided by the two carriers by the end of this month. Services to Canberra will also be more regular, with 15 weekly return flights.

Additionally, there will be an increase in intra-state flights for Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Airports at Broome, Cairns, and Rockhampton will also see a sizeable rise in weekly operations. Moreover, Qantas will start its postponed launch of the Sydney to Byron Bay route. 

Qantas Routes, Australia Map
A map showing the operators' planned routes. Photo: Qantas

A flexible approach

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce shared that there has been a lot of pent up demand for air travel. Despite the current climate, his company is already seeing a considerable increase in bookings and inquiries for flights in the next few months.

"We are gradually adding flights in June as demand levels increase, which will go from 5 per cent of pre-crisis levels currently to 15 per cent by late June," Joyce said, according to the press release.

"We can quickly ramp up flying in time for the July school holidays if border restrictions have eased more by then. Normally, we plan our capacity months in advance, but in the current climate we need to be flexible to respond to changing restrictions and demand levels."

The executive added that the one million people who work in Australia's tourism industry had been greatly affected this year. Therefore, the additional flights are a vital step to help businesses ease back into work.

Jetstar
Long-haul flying has come to a halt amid border closures, impacting both Qantas and Jetstar. Photo: Getty Images

A change of scene

There will be noticeable differences when travelers hit the skies again amid hygiene concerns. The use of free masks and sanitizing wipes are one of the many developments. There is also contactless check-in and enhanced cleaning procedures.

Additionally, customers will be sent information about their flight so they can be fully informed about the procedures in place. Nonetheless, Joyce affirms that medical experts working with Australia's government believe the risk of contracting COVID-19 on a plane is low.

Ultimately, Qantas and Jetstar will both be eager to boost their capacity. There has been a considerable drop in virus cases in Australia over the last month. Therefore, demand is picking up slowly, and the carriers are more than willing to meet it.

Nonetheless, passengers are advised to download the Australian Government's COVIDSafe app. This tool will help improve the ability of health authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

Simple Flying reached out to Qantas regarding its services but did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements.

What are your thoughts on Qantas and Jetstar increasing their domestic capacity? Let us know what you think in the comment section.