Virgin Australia have announced that they will resume 64 domestic flight services and limited international services for essential travellers, as of today.

The airline made the announcement that they would resume the minimal schedule of flights via their social media and website yesterday.

The airline noted that the international flights to Los Angeles and Hong Kong were for repatriation purposes only, and that domestic flights would only be available to those undertaking essential travel – including those returning home.

With some Virgin planes returning to the skies, the airline also expects to reinstate some of the 1,000+ employees who were stood down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new schedule includes around seven flights per week to smaller domestic ports such as Cairns, Mackay, Townsville and Rockhampton in Queensland,  Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Broome, Karratha, Newman and Kununurra in Western Australia and all major capital cities.

“Virgin Australia is pleased to respond to a request from the Australian Government to resume flying an underwritten, minimal domestic schedule, to transport passengers and keep important freight corridors open during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the company said in an email to customers yesterday evening.

A full list of the limited flights is available on the Virgin Australia website.

Passengers who have cancelled flights may rebook using their Travel Bank travel credits or by calling the Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.