More than 180 people "liked" the link to the story on the newspaper's website and 78 comments were posted on Friday.

Positivity reigned throughout the overwhelming number of responses, with all in favour of a direct route to the Victorian city.

Trace Baron posted yes many times over, adding at least four friends would utilise the service. Business and tourism benefits were raised as reasons for Virgin Australia to add the flight to and from our town.

Well researched blogger Jason Bently saw global positives from creating the route.

"Considering the larger variety of budget international flights that depart from Melbourne instead of Sydney, it makes sense to fly to Melbourne rather than travel to Sydney for cheap international flights. And Melbourne has so many more events worth travelling to than Sydney," he posted on Facebook.

The Port News sent this correspondence to Virgin, asking if such support would persuade the airline to consider adding the flight.

A spokeswoman reiterated the airline consistently reviewed patronage of every route, adding an announcement would be made through the media should the Melbourne dream become a reality.