Qantas will soon run direct flights between Cairns and Adelaide, operated by Alliance Airlines’ Embraer E190.

Starting August 17, the four-weekly fares are now on sale from $199 each way.

The announcement follows Virgin Australia’s new flight routes connecting Cairns to Adelaide and Perth, revealed last week.

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new routes would support the growing demand for domestic tourism.

“As most international travel remains off limits for now, Australians are taking more regular holidays within the country and we expect these new direct flights to key tourism destinations will be popular with travellers,” said Mr David.

“Our customers now have 45 more routes to fly than we had pre-COVID making it even easier for them to get to their next holiday or business meeting.

“Previously, travelling between these cities meant a connecting flight in the middle, but now they can fly direct and save at least an hour in the process.”

The latest data shows the Cairns Airport welcomed more than 280,000 passengers in April this year – 80 per cent of its pre-COVID capacity.

Direct flights between Cairns and Adelaide are now on sale from $199 each way.

The special covers flying dates between August 17 this year and 13 May 2022.

You can book via the Qantas website or through travel agents until 11:59pm, May 27, unless sold out prior.

Search for the new flights here.