Qantas has added an extra flight from Perth to Sydney next week as Freo prepares to paint the SCG purple.
A spike in demand following Friday night’s final siren prompted the airline to put on another flight headed east as the Dockers locked in a preliminary final against Sydney.
QF656, operated by a Boeing 737, will depart Perth at 8.15am and arrive in Sydney at 2.20pm on Thursday September 17.
Footy fans could snag flights as of Saturday morning, with one-way fares available from $629.
It’s the latest flight to be put on the schedule on top of the more than 30 Qantas and Jetstar flights already added between Perth and Melbourne for the finals series — including the Grand Final — creating more than 8000 extra seats for WA footy fans.
Qantas first added extra capacity at the end of May, the earliest it’s ever put on additional flights for footy finals.
“Footy fever has taken hold earlier this year than anyone can remember,” Qantas domestic chief executive Markus Svensson said.
“Already we’ve seen thousands of fans book travel before their team has even made the final and we’ve added thousands of additional seats to our network.”
Premier Roger Cook called on the major airlines to keep adding extra flights to Sydney this week.
“What a game. The Dockers were on fire and the atmosphere was up there among the best I’ve ever experienced at Optus Stadium.
“Now it’s time to bring Wharfie Time to Sydney. I want Freo fans to turn the SCG purple.
“I’m calling on the major airlines to add extra flights to Sydney this week so Dockers supporters can pack out the SCG for the club’s first Preliminary Final in 11 years.”
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said after the Dockers “stood up against Geelong”, it’s now time for the airlines to “stand up for Freo’s fans”.
“The more purple at the SCG on Friday night, the better the Dockers’ chances of making the grand final,” he said.
“But the airlines need to play their part, they should keep airfares reasonable and put on extra flights.”
Qantas will continue to monitor demand for footy final flights, with fans encouraged to book early.
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