Jetstar Melbourne service back

THERE was cause for celebration at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport this morning when, for the first time in 18 months, a plane from Melbourne touched down.

Passengers from the Jetstar flight and their friends and family were treated to cupcakes and non-alcoholic champagne by airport and Ballina Shire council staff.

Lennox Head resident Anna Platt and her two daughters, Claudia, 5, and Jacqui, 4, were waiting for their husband and father, Vaughan Platt, who had been in Melbourne for work.

“Having this service back is going to make such a big difference to our family,” Mrs Platt said.

“Even if it’s a bit more expensive, it will be worth it instead of going up to the Gold Coast.”

The service was scrapped in August last year, with Jetstar blaming 'significant fiscal and economic circumstances'.

But Cr Alan Brown and airport manager Neil Weatherson, who were amongst those who fought for the service, said having the flights back was a ‘real shot in the arm’ for the region.

“We are just so excited to have the Ballina-Melbourne route available once again,” Cr Brown said.