VIRGIN Australia has recommenced flights this week to Coffs Harbour Airport.

The first flight to touch down was VA1161 from Sydney at 8:20am on November 11.

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The return occurs as New South Wales eases COVID travel restrictions and many pent-up metropolitan travellers revel in their newfound freedoms.

Virgin Australia will run services at least daily, with up to eleven flights a week between Sydney and Coffs Harbour over the peak Christmas school holiday period.

This will inject over 3800 seats each week between Sydney and Coffs Harbour.

Virgin Australia’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said he was looking forward to connecting more Australians over the summer holidays, as further restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase.

“The return service between Coffs Harbour and Sydney is a great way to encourage more Aussie families to take a well-deserved holiday this summer,” said Mr Hartley.

“By linking these two great centres, we want to give more people the opportunity to experience the beautiful beaches of Coffs Harbour and the Big Banana as well as provide access to the stunning surrounding region including Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Dorrigo and Woolgoolga.

“To give customers added confidence when making a new booking, we are continuing to waive applicable change fees and allowing unlimited changes for bookings for travel between now and 30 April 2022,” he said.

The flexibility accommodates the current climate with some state borders not yet fully open and NSW Health still urging people with even the mildest flu-like symptoms to get tested and isolate until receiving a negative result.

The General Manager for Coffs Harbour Airport, Frank Mondello said he was excited by Virgin Australia’s return to the region, and looks forward to the airline offering locals more choice when it comes to air travel.

“Virgin Australia’s addition of Sydney services is fantastic news for locals, as this provides more flexibility and choice for passengers travelling between our capital city, and the Coffs Coast.

“With flights daily, Virgin Australia will be able to accommodate both leisure travellers and the growing business market which will be a welcome boost to the local economy,” he said.

“These services couldn’t have arrived at a better time, as we look forward to reconnecting friends and families leading up to the holiday season.”

By Sandra MOON