€10 flights to Australia to attract Irish working holidays

desire to escape Australia for the working holiday of your life?

The new program aims to make that dream Down Under a reality and fill gaps in the Australian workforce by offering a limited number of return flights from Ireland to Adelaide for just €10/£10.

From today 26 April, Irish citizens aged 18-35 can register online for the €10 return tickets which go on sale in May.

And the catch?

Only 200 return flights are offered at the special price of €10.

Applicants must also be Irish or British citizens, have a working holiday visa and be able to travel before September 30th this year.

Flights are operated with Qatar Airways through Trailfinders and applicants must also purchase a “starter pack” which includes accommodation on arrival and access to a tax number and bank account.

Three-night starter packages start at £171/€218 with Trailfinders.

The program is reminiscent of Australia’s Assisted Passage Migration Scheme or Ten Pound scheme, which ended 40 years ago.

Operated by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), it aims to attract working holidays back to Australia in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic to help fill employment gaps and skills shortages in the country.

Visas “are being processed quickly,” the SATC said, adding that those who miss a €10 ticket could claim a “special follow-up fare” to Adelaide, due to be released in mid-May.

“It’s a real win-win for young people who love to travel and work abroad and for our local tourism industry,” said Zoe Bettison, South Australia’s Minister for Tourism.

“Our tour operators have missed having international visitors on their tours and experiences and booking accommodation, and they have also missed the Irish backpacker workforce and the vibrancy they bring.

“These backpackers nurture a love for our state and country that often inspires them to return later in life.”

International travelers to Australia are required to show proof of double vaccination against Covid-19, but a negative test result before departure is no longer required.

More information about the program can be found at southaustralia.com.