Jetstar and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport celebrate 20 years of flying together

Tue, 22 Jul 2025

Over five million passengers have flown through Ballina Byron Gateway Airport with Jetstar since the airline’s first flight touched down 20 years ago.

This long-standing partnership has grown into a vital connection between the Northern Rivers region and key destinations across Australia, with onward connectivity to international locations via Sydney and Melbourne.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is proud to celebrate this milestone with Jetstar, an airline that has played a central role in making travel more accessible for locals and visitors alike.

Over the past 20 years, this partnership has supported the local economy by enabling travel for tourism, business and residents, while helping keep families and communities connected.

Since Jetstar commenced services at Ballina in 2005, the airline has played a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity with more than five million passengers flying on almost 40,000 Jetstar flights in and out of the airport.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader acknowledged the significance of the milestone.

"This is a wonderful achievement and a proud moment for our region. Jetstar has been a vital partner in connecting our community to key destinations across the country. This enduring partnership has contributed to the growth of our local economy and helped make our region more accessible to visitors from around Australia."

Jetstar also recognised the importance of the milestone in strengthening its connection with the Northern Rivers. Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor said "Ballina Byron Gateway Airport was one of Jetstar’s very first destinations, and two decades later, it’s still one of our most loved. That very first flight from Sydney to Ballina marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership, built on shared growth, and a passion for making travel more accessible.” 

"For the past 20 years we've carried over 5 million passengers through Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in connecting this beautiful region with the rest of Australia."

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and Jetstar look forward to building on their success and continuing their shared commitment to the Northern Rivers for years to come.