Sky wars: Virgin and Qantas trade blows in massive domestic fare sales

Flights plummet to as little as $45 as airlines drop landmark discounts.

Virgin and Qantas are going head to head on their latest domestic flight sales. Picture by Virgin Australia (top) and Shutterstock

By Sarah Falson

Updated February 12, 2026, first published February 11, 2026

The gloves are off in the Aussie skies as our two biggest carriers go head-to-head in a massive discount showdown.

Whether you're chasing the sun or a city break, prices have plummeted - starting at a tiny $45.

Virgin Australia is slashing prices to holiday heavyweights like the Goldie, Cairns and Hamilton Island.

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Sydney-siders can nab a one-way trip to Byron Bay for less than the cost of a fancy dinner ($45), while Melburnians can hop to Launceston from $69.

Direct route comparison (one-way)

How the two rivals stack up on the same popular routes:

Sydney ↔ Byron Bay: Virgin $45 vs. Qantas $99
Melbourne ↔ Launceston: Virgin $69 vs. Qantas $119
Sydney ↔ Gold Coast: Virgin $69 vs. Qantas $119
Melbourne ↔ Sydney: Virgin $105 vs. Qantas $149
Brisbane ↔ Sydney: Virgin $105 vs. Qantas $149
Brisbane ↔ Hamilton Island: Virgin $125 vs. Qantas $179

The Verdict: Virgin is winning the "budget" battle, with many fares half the price of Qantas. However, Qantas is pitching to the premium crowd, offering Business Class from $299 and including checked bags and a meal or snack for all travellers.

Virgin is offering fares on the golden route, between Sydney and Melbourne, from $105 each way.

If Qantas is more your style, you will pay a little more on their sale fares (but they do include food and baggage on all their flights).

The national carrier has dropped what it is calling the "biggest domestic sale in more than five years", with 1.9 million business and economy fares slashed.

One-way fares begin at $99 from Byron Bay to Sydney, $135 from Brisbane to Newcastle, and $149 from Melbourne to Sydney.

Both airlines are giving you until 11.59pm on February 16 before the flights vanish.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.