The Red Centre will be that little bit closer for Brisbane after Jetstar announced on Wednesday it would introduce direct flights between the capital city and Uluru.

From August, the airline will offer three flights a week, slashing travel times for those keen to visit the World Heritage Area about 450 kilometres from Alice Springs, the nearest major town.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was originally an Aboriginal Reserve, handed back to Anangu traditional owners In 1985. Credit:Quentin Jones

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the government had partnered with Jetstar to secure the route, the first direct flights being offered from Brisbane, which she estimated would support up to 100 jobs a year.

Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive officer Julieanne Alroe said the direct flight would meet the “current demand” of international visitors who chose Brisbane as their “gateway to Australia”.

“Jetstar’s new direct flight to Uluru will not only meet current demand but further stimulate tourism to this iconic destination, while making access for domestic travellers easier than ever,” she said.

Direct flights to Uluru operate out of a range of domestic airports including Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, originally an Aboriginal Reserve, was handed back to Anangu traditional owners in 1985, who signed an agreement leasing the land back to the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service for 99 years.