Australia domestic flights: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin to boost flights from Victoria and NSW as borders reopen

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin are set to boost interstate flights between Victoria and NSW following the decision to open domestic borders between the two states.

Qantas will increase its current 10 return flights to more than 250 per week over five routes from November 23, giving travellers a choice of 48,000 seats.

Currently, the only Qantas route operating between Victoria and NSW is the direct Sydney to Melbourne flight, 10 times a week.

This route was formerly the second busiest in the world, with Qantas operating more than 100 flights a day. During lockdown this was reduced to one flight a day.

The busiest Australian route is currently Brisbane-Cairns, although this may change as borders reopen.

Qantas' is currently running at 30 per cent capacity compared with pre-COVID-19 levels, this will increase to 40 per cent.

The carrier is expected to operate thousands of flights to and from Melbourne and regional Victoria over the summer, and will add more flights if the demand is great.

Qantas domestic and international chief executive Andrew David said this was "fantastic news. We've added thousands more flights back into our schedule today which will see Melbourne-Sydney once again become the busiest air route in Australia.

"November 23 will be a day many people will now be looking forward to. It's exciting for the family and friends who can finally be reunited after months apart.