Anew direct air link between Canberra and Launceston has begun, with Link Airways operating its first flight into Launceston Airport and committing to a regular service four times a week.
The route will run on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, marking the airline’s first entry into Launceston and adding a fresh connection between Tasmania’s north and the nation’s capital. The service is set to operate year-round, a move the Tasmanian Government says reflects steady demand for more direct travel options to the state.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett said the new connection would make travel easier for both residents and visitors, while helping draw more people to Northern Tasmania. Around 60,000 visitors travel from the ACT to Tasmania each year, and officials believe a direct route could encourage more of those यात्रies to choose Launceston as their entry point.
The route has been supported through the state’s Aviation Attraction Fund, a $5 million initiative aimed at securing new air services and strengthening tourism access. The government says the fund is designed to encourage airlines to open routes that may otherwise take longer to establish, particularly in regional areas where demand can be harder to consolidate.
Sarah Kingston Clark, chief executive of Tourism Tasmania, described the new service as a sign of confidence in Tasmania’s visitor appeal. She pointed to the region’s mix of food, nature and events as a drawcard, including Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain and the mountain biking trails at Derby.
Launceston’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy has also been part of the state’s pitch to interstate travellers, with tourism bodies focusing on food and wine experiences alongside outdoor attractions.
While the new route is expected to support visitor numbers, aviation analysts note that regional services can face challenges in maintaining consistent passenger loads outside peak travel periods. Airlines often rely on a mix of leisure and business travel to sustain year-round operations, particularly on routes linking smaller markets.
For Tasmania, improving air access remains central to its tourism strategy, given the state’s reliance on aviation for interstate visitors. Additional routes can help spread demand more evenly across regions, though their long-term success will depend on pricing, frequency and how well they align with travel patterns.
Flights on the Canberra to Launceston route are now available for booking through Link Airways and travel agents, with the first services already carrying passengers between the two cities.
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