Search & book flights with SmartLynx Australia

SmartLynx Australia's route network focuses on essential Queensland connections and that once-in-a-lifetime Lord Howe Island getaway.

Cape York and Torres Strait 🏖️

These remote Queensland destinations are SmartLynx Australia's bread and butter. Routes include Cairns to Aurukun, Horn Island, Cooktown and Karumba, plus comprehensive Torres Strait coverage. It's not glamorous, but it's vital for communities that depend on air links for everything from medical appointments to family visits.

Lord Howe Island 🏝️

The crown jewel route. This UNESCO World Heritage paradise can only be reached by SmartLynx Australia's specially configured Dash 8-200 aircraft, thanks to the island's short runway. Operating as a Qantas codeshare from Sydney, it's your gateway to spotless beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and some of the world's best snorkelling.

Charter operations ⛑️

Beyond scheduled routes, SmartLynx Australia serves mining companies, government agencies and corporate clients across Queensland. This includes FIFO flights to remote mining sites, emergency medical transport and business charter solutions.

SmartLynx Australia operates regular schedules to serve Queensland's remote communities, with seasonal adjustments for tourism and mining sector demands.

Sydney - Lord Howe Island 🛬

• Daily service with 7 flights per week using specially configured Dash 8-200 aircraft
• Operates as QF2975/2976 under Qantas codeshare*
• SmartLynx Australia takes full operational control from February 2026
• Flight times optimised for day trips and short breaks

*This flight, although operated by another airline, is marketed and sold under Qantas' flight numbers (QF2975 and QF2976) due to a partnership between the two airlines. This means you can book the flight through Alternative Airlines and it will be labelled as a SmartLynx Australia, while it is actually operated by Qantas.

Cape York and Torres Strait routes 🛬

• Cairns - Aurukun: Weekly service (1 flight per week)
• Cairns - Bamaga: Daily service (7 flights per week)
• Cairns - Lockhart River - Aurukun circuit: 4 flights per week
• Cairns - Aurukun - Lockhart River return: 3 flights per week
• Cairns - Kowanyama - Pormpuraaw circuit: 2 flights per week
• Cairns - Pormpuraaw - Kowanyama return: 3 flights per week
• Cairns - Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine): 4 flights per week

Schedules align with community needs, mail runs and essential service requirements rather than tourist convenience.

Airport check-in 🛫

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure - this isn't negotiable!
• Bring government-issued photo ID and any required documentation
• Weight and balance restrictions mean seat changes after check-in aren't possible
• Personal service from experienced staff who know these routes inside out

Online check-in 📱

• Not available for direct SmartLynx Australia flights
• Lord Howe Island passengers can use Qantas online check-in for codeshare flights
• Mobile check-in limited to partner airline apps where applicable

Special considerations 🔍

• Some Cape York destinations have alcohol restrictions - respect local community rules
• Dangerous goods restrictions are strictly enforced
• Special assistance requests need advance notice and confirmation

Booking SmartLynx Australia flights at Alternative Airlines is quick and flexible. Whether you’re after a one-way, return or multi-city trip, we’ve got you covered. Here's how to book:

1. Search for your route. Enter your departure and arrival cities, travel dates and number of passengers on our search page.
2. Choose your flights. We’ll show you all available SmartLynx Australia options. Filter by time, price or journey length to find the one that fits.
3. Pick how you want to pay. Choose from 40+ ways to pay, including Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay, to spread the cost if you need to.
4. Book with confidence. Add flight protection if you want it, then confirm your booking. We'll send instant confirmation to your inbox.

Whether you're booking a direct flight or planning a stopover, it’s all in one place.

SmartLynx Australia doesn't publish standard fares, making pricing advice challenging. Here's what we know:

• Regional Queensland routes vary based on mining sector demand and seasonal tourism patterns.
• Lord Howe Island flights dictate premium pricing year-round, with peak demand during school holidays and perfect weather months (April-October).
• Charter rates fluctuate with resource sector activity and seasonal requirements.

At Alternative Airlines, you can secure your booking and spread the cost with Buy Now Pay Later options - particularly useful for expensive remote destination flights.

💡Top tip: Book regional Queensland flights well ahead during school holidays when family visits peak, and remember that weather can affect smaller aircraft operations more than jets.

Flying with SmartLynx Australia means regional aviation realities - picture functional over flashy, but with genuine care for passenger comfort:

Cabin classes 💺

SmartLynx Australia operates single-class economy across all aircraft types:

• Regional routes (Dash 8 variants): 37-50 passengers depending on aircraft model, with regional aircraft standard pitch and width. Comfortable for typical flight durations but don't expect business class luxury.
• ACMI operations (Airbus A319): Up to 144 passengers in single-class economy configuration. These jets primarily serve wet-lease contracts rather than regular passenger routes.

Baggage policy 🧳

• Carry-on: 7kg across two items maximum - pack light for smaller aircraft
• Checked: 20kg across two pieces, with additional bags costing $25 each
• Lord Howe Island: strict 23kg limit due to aircraft weight restrictions
• Excess fees: $5.50 per kilogram over allowance, though carriage isn't guaranteed even if pre-paid

Services on the plane 🍴

• Basic refreshment service on most routes
• Lord Howe Island flights feature Qantas catering standards thanks to the partnership
• Limited entertainment options - bring your own device and content
• No Wi-Fi available on SmartLynx Australia flights
• Professional crew trained for regional aviation challenges and community needs

Seating and comfort 💺

• Seat selection is limited due to weight and balance requirements
• Window seats offer stunning views of remote Australian landscapes - often the best part of the journey
• Climate control maintains comfortable cabin conditions across all aircraft types
• Overhead storage varies by aircraft - smaller planes mean tighter space constraints

The transformation to SmartLynx Australia brings significant advantages while preserving regional heritage.

Financial stability 💵

• Avia Solutions Group ownership provides long-term financial security
• End to previous financial uncertainties that affected service reliability
• Investment in fleet expansion and route development

Enhanced capabilities 🌐

• Access to global aviation expertise and resources
• Improved maintenance and operational standards
• Potential for new route development and service expansion

Continued local focus 🤝

• Same management team familiar with regional requirements
• Preserved community connections and local knowledge
• Maintained essential service obligations to remote destinations

Regional aviation has its own rules and realities - here's what you need to know:

Expect the unexpected 🌦️

• Weather can delay or cancel flights - build substantial buffer time into travel plans
• Smaller aircraft are more affected by conditions than jets, especially wind and visibility
• Remote airports have limited facilities and backup options when things go wrong

Community respect 🤝

• Some destinations are dry communities - absolutely no alcohol permitted
• Local customs and cultural protocols matter deeply in small communities
• Crew and ground staff often know passengers personally after years of service

Practical planning 📋

• Arrive early - 45 minutes minimum with no exceptions
• Bring entertainment, snacks and any essentials for longer journeys
• Cash may be needed at some remote destinations with limited card facilities
• Medical and emergency supplies should be carried personally - help may be hours away

Documentation requirements 📄

• Standard government-issued photo ID required for all flights
• Some Torres Strait routes may have additional border or community access considerations
• Travel insurance strongly recommended for remote destination trips where evacuation costs can be enormous