Passenger numbers on flights at Bundaberg Regional Airport are taking off as travel demand reaches new heights since the industry's Covid-induced decline.
The Easter break marked the initial signs of positive change, with locals and visitors alike planning more flights on the Bundaberg to Brisbane route and back during the holiday period.
Bundaberg Regional Council airport portfolio spokesperson Cr Greg Barnes said during April there were three scheduled passenger flights a day which recorded an average rate of 70 per cent to 80 per cent capacity.
“Pre-Covid, Qantas flew more frequently but generally with smaller aircraft and these days, all flights are with 74 seater Dash-8’s rather than the smaller 50 seaters,” Cr Barnes said.
“This means there is more or less pre-Covid seat availability on the Bundaberg to Brisbane sector, which is fantastic to see.”
Cr Barnes said increasing community resilience was a factor in the growth of passenger numbers, with more and more people vaccinated and wanting to kickstart their travel plans again.
“During March and the Easter holiday period we began to experience the first signs of a post-Covid normality,” he said.
“People feel more comfortable to travel, to fly and to visit other places.
“This can only mean good things for our region and in time, we will hopefully begin to see the benefits trickle into our tourism sector.”
Cr Barnes said while many mandates had eased across the state, travellers were reminded masks were still required to be worn at all airports in Queensland and on flights.
“Unless you are exempt, you must have a face mask with you when you come to the airport and wear it in the terminal, public waiting areas, taxi rank, drop-off zone and car park.
“You also have to wear a mask on your flights from Bundaberg.”
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