L
aunceston will gain its first direct air link to Canberra from 6 May, with Link Airways launching a year round service that removes the need for travellers to transit through Melbourne or Sydney.
The new route, delivered in partnership with Launceston Airport and backed by the Tasmanian Government, will operate four days a week on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It marks the first time Link Airways has flown to Launceston and is expected to add around 14,000 seats a year to the state’s aviation network.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett said improved air access remains central to Tasmania’s visitor economy, particularly as interstate competition for travellers tightens.
She said the direct connection would tap into demand from the ACT and surrounding regions, where interest in Northern Tasmania’s food, wine and natural attractions has been building. Launceston’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the Tamar Valley wine region and the city’s proximity to wilderness areas have all featured prominently in marketing campaigns.
The timing of the launch aligns with Tasmania’s Off Season campaign, which runs from May to August and focuses on boosting visitation during traditionally quieter months. The state government has increasingly targeted shoulder and winter travel to smooth out seasonal fluctuations and support local operators outside peak periods.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent described the service as a strong endorsement of Tasmania as a destination and said it had been secured with assistance from the state’s Aviation Attraction Fund. The fund is designed to encourage airlines to establish and maintain commercially viable routes that expand access to the island.
According to government figures, around 60,000 visitors travelled to Tasmania from the ACT and nearby regions last year. Officials believe a non stop option will encourage further growth by reducing travel time and making short breaks more practical.
For business and government travellers, the route offers a more straightforward link between the national capital and Northern Tasmania, including easier access to the state’s public sector and regional enterprises. It also coincides with plans to develop a new purpose built convention centre in Launceston, a project the government says will strengthen the city’s appeal for business events.
Link Airways’ flights will be code shared with Virgin Australia, enabling passengers to connect to the broader Virgin network and earn Velocity frequent flyer points. Fares start from $339 one way and are available through the airline’s website and travel agents.
While the additional capacity is modest compared with major trunk routes, aviation analysts note that regional connections can play an outsized role in supporting tourism dispersal and local economies. The long term success of the service will depend on sustained demand from both leisure and business travellers, particularly outside peak holiday periods.
For Launceston Airport, the Canberra link broadens its interstate reach and reduces reliance on traditional gateway cities. For travellers, it offers a more direct path between two capitals that share growing economic and cultural ties.
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