Qantas has just announced two new routes to regional NSW, opening up the state’s holiday destinations for weary housebound travellers, and giving local tourism operators a much-needed post-COVID boost.

The new routes include the airline’s first flights between Sydney and ever-popular coastal hub Byron Bay (Ballina) in 15 years, and the airline’s first ever flight to food and wine-lover favourite, Orange.

Both routes were originally scheduled to commence earlier this year but were delayed due to the COVID travel restrictions.

The extra flights are yet another sign that domestic travel is gradually ramping back up to pre-coronavirus levels.

“These additional flights are coming at the right time for families who’ve spent much of the recent months confined to their homes and are looking forward to getting out and exploring their own State,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing.

Flights between Sydney and Orange will begin as a three weekly return service, while return flights from Sydney to Byron Bay (Ballina) is set to operate daily.