Qantas to run flights between Albury and Brisbane in a bold move out of COVID-19 gloom

The moment Prime Minister Scott Morrison correctly made the monumental call to shut our borders to the rest of the world almost 12 months ago airlines were dealt a massive blow they have not even started to fully recover from.

Flights within Australia were also hit for six when state governments around the country began imposing border closures.

But in a small boost, Qantas has produced some positivity with confirmation it will operate flights between Albury and Brisbane for the 2021 ski season.

Planes will fly to and from Albury and Brisbane on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and in a tourism win-win, residents from Albury-Wodonga and surrounds will be able to travel to Queensland for a winter getaway after being locked down in their homes last winter.

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The schedule starts July 1 and runs until September 26 with fares to start from $239 one-way.

The direct flights will provide more than 5700 seats on the route during winter.

How successful the service proves to be rests entirely on how many people decide to use it or whether they choose to fly to the sunshine coast via Sydney.

Albury Council operates the city's airport and also has a sizeable stake in the service being a winner.

"Our community is already well served by existing air services and we know that Albury-Brisbane flights have been well received by regional residents in the past," mayor Kevin Mack said.

"Whether locals are using the service to enjoy some Queensland sunshine in winter, or to welcome visitors flying in from Queensland, it will be fantastic to see the new routes well patronised as we continually work to expand and improve the air links between Albury and the world."

JetGo operated a service between Brisbane and Albury between 2016-18 before the small airline struck financial turbulence.

But, council and Qantas need to be congratulated in playing a part in the long road to economic recovery.

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