The first Singapore Airlines plane will touch down at Cairns Airport today, more than two years since flights were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three flights a week will operate between Cairns and Changi.
SQ203 is scheduled to touch down at 5.25pm today.
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Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the Singapore connection will also open up the lucrative German, French, Dutch and Swiss markets, as well as other Asian markets.
“Frankly it’s a great opportunity for locals who’ve been stuck in Queensland for a couple of years, there’s some really good deals going,” he said.
“I’ve got some friends and colleagues who’ve booked some great trips to Europe through Singapore Airlines.
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By July, 25 of the 27 direct Cairns services that were operating pre-pandemic will have resumed.
Japan flights start up again in late April, with six flights a week to Tokyo and five to Osaka.
Air Niugini is also offering three flights to Cairns from 1 April.
New Zealand flights recommence in June, while Jetstar services to Denpasar, Bali, will begin in May.
“It’s really encouraging that our airline partners are showing confidence in the region that they’re putting that capacity on,” Mr Barker said.
Cairns Airport is also in talks with Japan Airlines regarding full service flights.
