The Booming Indian Market
Queensland has identified India as a crucial, fast-growing market for its tourism sector. In the year ending September 2025, the state welcomed approximately 77,000 visitors from India, who injected nearly USD 240 million into the local economy. This
makes India one of Australia's top five international visitor markets. The growth has been particularly notable in key areas, with the Gold Coast seeing a 35% year-on-year increase in Indian arrivals. This surge is not just a fleeting trend; it represents a significant shift in travel patterns, with Indian tourists looking for new, high-quality experiences. The spending power and enthusiasm of these visitors have not gone unnoticed by Queensland's tourism and economic development bodies.
The Hurdle of Indirect Travel
Despite the clear demand, a significant obstacle remains: the lack of direct flights between India and Queensland. Currently, there are no non-stop services from any Indian city to Brisbane or other Queensland airports. Travellers must contend with lengthy journeys involving at least one stop, often in hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong. These indirect routes can turn a long-haul trip into an exhausting marathon, with total travel times often exceeding 16 hours. This inconvenience is seen by industry leaders as the primary constraint on unlocking the full potential of the Indian market. For many potential tourists, as well as business travellers and students, the prolonged travel time is a major deterrent.
A Coordinated Push for Direct Skies
Recognising the immense opportunity, key stakeholders in Queensland have launched a coordinated campaign to secure direct aviation links. Government bodies have explicitly prioritised the establishment of direct flights from India. In early 2026, a united front was formed by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Brisbane Airport, and Experience Gold Coast, who jointly appointed an in-market representative in India to strengthen ties and lobby for the new routes. This strategic push involves ongoing discussions with major carriers and highlighting the strong business case, which is bolstered by the impressive visitor and spending numbers. State government trade missions to India have also placed aviation links firmly on the agenda, signalling a high-level commitment to closing the distance between the two regions.
More Than Just Tourism
The drive for direct flights is about more than just holidaymakers. India is a major strategic partner for Queensland across multiple sectors. Education is a significant pillar, with over 22,000 Indian students studying in Queensland in 2025. Direct flights would provide immense relief for these students and their families. Furthermore, the large and growing Indian diaspora in Queensland means that visiting friends and relatives (VFR) is a major driver of travel. Stronger business and trade relations are also a key consideration, with direct connectivity expected to facilitate more efficient corporate travel and foster deeper economic ties, building on the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
The Transformative Impact of a Direct Route
The establishment of direct flights would be a game-changer for both sides. For Queensland, it would unleash a new level of growth in its visitor economy, with estimates already pointing to billions in potential revenue and the creation of thousands of new jobs in hospitality and retail. For Indian travellers, it would slash travel times, making the world-famous attractions of the Great Barrier Reef, the Gold Coast's beaches, and Brisbane's vibrant city life far more accessible. While no airline has yet made a formal announcement, the persistent and unified lobbying from Queensland's leaders suggests it is a matter of 'when,' not 'if'. The successful launch of a direct route would symbolise a deepening of the economic, cultural, and community bonds between India and the Sunshine State.
