Jetstar has launched a flash sale for tickets on its new tri-weekly service between Cairns and New South Wales’ second most populated city.

The flights, beginning in June, went on sale at midday today for $69.

They’ll operate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from June 23.

Cairns Airport’s Head of Aviation Garry Porter said the route is the first to directly link Far North Queensland with Newcastle and its neighbouring Hunter Valley wine region.

“The Newcastle and Hunter region has a population in excess of 1.2 million people," he said.

"This second gateway from New South Wales to the Tropical North makes it even easier for more regional visitors from New South Wales to visit Tropical North Queensland.

“Queensland Government support has enabled us to grow connectivity, improving accessibility for the many people we know want to visit this region.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the regional New South Wales market has the potential to grow.

“Before Covid-19 our region received 288,000 visitors from New South Wales a year with 194,000 of those from Sydney,” he said.

“Direct access from the largest non-capital city in New South Wales will make a Cairns & Great Barrier Reef holiday a more attractive option to the people living in regional areas north of Sydney.”

The flight schedule is set to end in October but may be extended if demand is high.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said a commitment to regular direct flight routes is crucial for bringing visitors to Cairns.

“More visitors benefits the entire region from accommodation providers, to restaurants, cafes, and the operators of tourism experiences to the reef, Green Island and World Heritage-listed rain forests,” he said.

Operated by an A320 aircraft, the flights will take around 2.5 hours one-way.

The sale goes for 12 hours, ending at 11.59pm Thursday 22nd April.