Friday, 7 June 2024: Jetstar has announced it will launch direct flights between Brisbane and Thailand's capital, Bangkok from 13 December - making it the low-cost carrier's 20th Brisbane route.
Operated using Jetstar's fleet of widebody 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the three-per-week service is expected to carry more than 100,000 people each year to and from Brisbane, boosting the state's visitor economy.
It will be the only non-stop service between Brisbane and Bangkok and with a flight duration of just over eight hours, it will approximately halve the journey time compared to current indirect routes.
To celebrate, Jetstar is holding a 24-hour launch sale with one-way fares from Brisbane to Bangkok starting from just $205 at jetstar.com.
Jetstar's expansion
The new service will become Jetstar's 20th domestic and international route to/from Brisbane and is supported by the Queensland Government's Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) and Brisbane Airport.
The new route is part of a major expansion of Jetstar's Brisbane operations following a landmark partnership with Brisbane Airport in 2023.
The agreement has unlocked half a million new low fares seats a year with direct flights taking off from Brisbane to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Seoul (Incheon) and Auckland.
This year, Jetstar is also launching new flights from Perth to Bangkok and Phuket and the new Brisbane flights, combined with the carrier's existing routes from Sydney and Melbourne, mean it will operate up to 22 flights each week between Australia and Thailand by the end of the year.
Jetstar Group CEO, Steph Tully said the new route will provide Queenslanders with more choice of how to get to Thailand.
"With Jetstar's three direct flights each week from December and great low fares, it has never been easier or more affordable to get to Bangkok from Brisbane and we expect this new route to be incredibly popular.
"This is our 20th Brisbane route in what is Jetstar's 20th year of flying and we're focused on delivering for our customers with more new routes and new aircraft on the way.
"We would like to thank the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport for their ongoing support of low fares travel."
Queensland Government Minister for Tourism, Michael Healy said: "It's terrific to see Jetstar take flight between Bangkok and Brisbane for the first time.
"Compared to pre COVID figures, we have recently seen record numbers of visitors from Thailand to Queensland, so it was vital for us to open up a direct route to Bangkok.
"Being a low-cost carrier, Jetstar will help make travel to Brisbane more affordable for international students and passengers travelling from across Asia, the UK, and Europe, using Bangkok as a hub.
"Air freight from Brisbane to Thailand hit a record $46.5 million last year so the return flights will be terrific for our meat, fish, fruit, and vegetable exporters.
"This is another win for the $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund which has now secured 32 international routes since February 2022."
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff said: "We are delighted to be reconnecting two long-time friends, Queensland and Thailand.
"This route has been the most frequently requested in comments on Brisbane Airport's social media accounts over the past two years.
"A direct flight makes it easier for families and friends to connect and provides great opportunities for Queensland exporters with up to 15 tonnes of freight capacity on every service.
"Queenslanders have embraced the great value Jetstar offers, propelling it from Brisbane Airport's seventh biggest international carrier to number two."
For more inspiration about what to see and do in Bangkok, please visit our website
Flight schedule
From Friday 13 December 2024
Flight # |
Frequency |
From |
To |
Depart |
Arrive |
JQ65 |
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
BNE |
BKK |
14:20 |
19:30 |
JQ66 |
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
BKK |
BNE |
21:25 |
08:25 +1 day |
^Sale ends 12.00pm AEST Saturday 8 June 2024, unless sold out prior. Fares are one-way. Prices based on payment by PayID, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other payment options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Checked baggage not included. Selected travel dates and conditions apply.