ROB Porter is confident demand from the local community will secure international flights from Mackay Airport, despite the Whitsunday Airport aiming to offer a similar airline route.

The Mackay Airport general manager said it launched an online survey last Thursday to gather information on the public's travel aspirations which received more than 1000 responses in the first 24 hours.

"There's been an overwhelming response from the population here," Mr Porter said.

He said the majority of respondents said they wanted flights between Mackay and New Zealand but the results would not be officially analysed until after the survey closed at the end of the two weeks.

The fact another airport less than 200km away was vying to the exact same flights was not a concern, Mr Porter said.

"It's up to the airline to determine which service they want to run," he said.

"We are looking at targeting New Zealand as the destination.

"I can't worry about what another airport is doing. I'm confident we have got enough people here who want these flights, to get them."

When asked why the Mackay Airport would make a more attractive international destination than the Whitsunday Airport, Mr Porter cited the availability of accommodation and the affordability of Mackay.

"We understand people are looking for a nature destination," he said.

"We have 31 beaches, fishing is emerging."

While Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen wouldn't pick one airport over the other, he said he was glad each was targeting New Zealand for international routes.

"That way you get people coming in spending money," he said.

"The Bali market only goes one way."