Latest Mackay Airport News

Tiger roars into Mackay direct from Melbourne

Travellers have been urged to brace themselves for a new wave of budget priced airfares and additional destinations as Tiger Airways roared into Mackay from Melbourne for the first time on Friday.
Tiger’s inaugural flight from Melbourne touched down on Friday afternoon
Mackay’s excited business and tourism leaders greeted the three-hour direct service with open arms and confidently predicted the flight will further open the region to eager southern investors and holidaymakers.

Everyday airfares start from a low as $59.95, including GST.

Mackay Port Authority CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the MPA was eager to advance discussions with the low-cost airline in a bid to explore new opportunities and flights into other regional and capital city ports.

"I understand Tiger is currently looking at establishing a new base in the early part of next year – with Queensland being a very real option. This could provide Mackay travellers with new and exciting opportunities," he said.

"Friday’s inaugural flight is a big plus for leisure and business travellers – and for people keen to visit friends in relatives in Mackay and Melbourne,” he said. “The airfares are affordable and will only serve to stimulated competition right across the industry – but the real winners will be the travelling public."

Mr Stewart-Harris said the region’s economy was surging on the back of the Bowen Basin mineral boom.

"There is little doubt that our strong economic base and emerging tourism industry have helped sway Tiger to include Mackay in the airline’s initial Queensland roll out," he said.

Mr Stewart-Harris said the MPA was proud of the role it continued to play in attracting new airlines and flights to Mackay.

"Tiger’s low-cost model is quite simple – in order to keep the fares low and affordable it must have low charges – and we were able to provide them with a proposal that made Mackay an attractive proposition," he said.

Mr Stewart-Harris also highlighted the positive role played by the city’s media, business, tourism, community and political leaders in helping lure the Singapore-based budget airline to Mackay.

Initially, Mackay will enjoy four direct services a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The return leg will depart Mackay at 2.30 p.m. and arrive in Melbourne at 6.35 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Saving Time).