Qantas said it will operate four weekly return flights with its 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, adding 400 seats on the route each week.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said it was about meeting the growing demand for holidays within Australia.

"We're promoting these new flights to millions of our frequent flyers to help more people experience the beautiful beaches and unique wildlife in and around the Sapphire Coast. The best way to drive tourism is by making it even easier for Australians to explore incredible places in their own backyard, especially with international borders closed for some time to come.," Mr Gissing said.

"We know Merimbula is an incredibly popular destination for Victorians. These flights could not come at a better time for those who would be very ready for a relaxing stay by the beach after months at home."

"We're proud to be adding a second Merimbula route to our network just months after launching flights from Sydney. This service will offer locals more choice and competitive fares on what was previously a monopoly route," Mr Gissing added.

"We also think our customers will enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access before they fly out."

In early February the deputy chairman of Regional Express (Rex) John Sharp visited Merimbula and reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Melbourne and Sydney routes for Merimbula saying that passenger numbers were "quite satisfactory".

The lowest Melbourne to Merimbula fares from Qantas have seen flights at $125 one-way with Rex saying its community fares would remain available at $129 on both routes.