Qantas unveils its ‘Mystery Flights’ as Australia extends its international travel restrictions.

With Australians still facing a ban on overseas travel due to ongoing restrictions, Qantas is launching a new initiative: 'Mystery Flights' designed to promote local tourism.

Travelers booking one of the three available flights will entrust their destination to the airline’s discretion.

The day trips, which go on sale March 4, will depart from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne on March 27, April 18, and May 1, respectively. Each Boeing 737 flight will carry a maximum of 120 passengers, with destinations within a two-hour flight radius.

Passengers will enjoy breakfast at the Qantas lounge at 7 a.m. and return in the early evening after their mystery adventure.

Passengers won't know their destination until the plane begins its descent, but the flight path will be visible on the seat-back screens, giving travelers the chance to guess where they’re going. The journey will also feature some scenic flybys of notable landmarks along the way.

The airline is providing a few clues on its website to spark curiosity.

For example, flights departing Brisbane promise a relaxing escape with country hospitality, fine dining, and outdoor adventures. Sydney-bound flights will take travelers to tropical destinations perfect for those who love 'lunching on the beach.' Meanwhile, the Melbourne flight caters to outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and fans of regional markets.

Travelers will receive additional tips when booking to ensure they pack appropriately for their surprise trip.

Qantas Group’s Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully, stated, 'These mystery flights not only help bring our people back to work but also support regional tourism operators who’ve faced significant challenges from ongoing border restrictions.'

Qantas first introduced its 'mystery flights' in the 1990s, where passengers would arrive at the airport and be assigned to a scheduled flight bound for an unknown destination within the airline's network.

In 2020, Qantas launched a seven-hour sightseeing 'flight to nowhere' which became an instant hit, selling out within just 10 minutes.

Australia has largely returned to normal since the start of the pandemic, with no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported on Tuesday, and nine cases among travelers in hotel quarantine. As of March 3, the country has recorded 28,986 cases and 909 deaths.

The country took swift action by closing its borders early, requiring citizens returning from abroad to quarantine in hotels for two weeks. Additionally, Australia imposed a ban on international travel, with anyone wishing to leave needing to secure an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.

On Tuesday, the government announced an extension of Australia's international travel ban, pushing it back by three months to June 17.

Qantas announced plans to restart international flights by the end of October 2021.