Link Airways announces direct flights between Hobart and Canberra

Keen travellers out of Tasmania have a new direct destination on the departures board, with an interstate airline announcing plans to launch the service by December. DETAILS + PRICES + SCHEDULE >>

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TASMANIANS could soon be jetsetting to the nation’s capital, with an airline announcing its plans to run direct services between Hobart and Canberra.

Link Airways says it will run four weekly return services — on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday — between the destinations, with plans to expand to 11 weekly flights next year.

It will be the first time a direct flight to the capital has been offered to Tasmanians since 2013.

The move is subject to Tasmanian border restrictions, which are due to expire on December 1, though Premier Peter Gutwein has flagged some could be lifted by the end of October.

Link Airways Saab 340B Plus will be flying to and from Hobart and Canberra in a new direct route. Tickets are on sale now.

Link Airways said the Hobart-Canberra flights would start on December 3, with services on the airline’s Saab 340B Plus aircraft departing Canberra at 9.30am and arriving into Hobart at 11.35am.

The return service will leave Hobart at 12.05pm, arriving into Canberra at 2.05pm.

One-way fares of $219 are now available to book.

If Tasmania’s border with the ACT opens before December 1, the airline will consider bringing forward the commencement date of flights.

Link Airways chief executive Andrew Major said detailed research had identified a strong demand for direct flights between Hobart and Canberra.

Mr Major said the availability of flights would provide a “convenient and cost effective” alternative for passengers wanting to connect with other domestic destinations.

Hobart Airport acting chief executive Matt Cocker welomed the announcement ahead of an anticipated easing of border restrictions.

“After a very tough period, a new route announcement is a welcome shot in the arm to help Tasmanian tourism operators and business begin the road to recovery,” Mr Cocker said.

“By cutting the travel time and the need for stopover in Melbourne or Sydney, the new path has the potential to help regrow tourism visitation to both Tasmania and the ACT and allow easier access for business travellers and those visiting friends and relatives.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said Link Airways’ move showed confidence in Tasmania’s visitor economy ahead of state borders opening up.

“The new service will provide another option for interstate travellers to be able to fly direct to our island, making Tasmania a more easily accessible and viable travel destination for visitors from our nation’s capital,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

“It will also give Tasmanians an easier and quicker option for travel to the ACT.”

Canberra Airport’s head of aviation, Michael Thomson, welcomed the move saying it was pleased to partner with a local business to connect travellers with Tasmania.

Link Airways is owned by Canberra-based Corporate Air, which was established in 1972.

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