Qantas outlines a raft of flight changes to and from Tasmania following enforced border control measures

Qantas has announced major changes to its Tasmanian flights schedule following the state’s strict border control restrictions.

QANTAS has announced cuts to its Tasmanian flights following the state’s strict border control restrictions.

Qantas on Thursday said from March 29 eight of its return services to Tasmania will be suspended.

The company said it would issue travel credits only to affected customers who booked directly through the Qantas network.

The cancellations include Hobart flights to and from Melbourne and Sydney.

The flight suspensions also affect Launceston flights to and from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

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The airline said many routes would still operate.

This includes seven return services a week between Launceston and Melbourne, and seven return services a week between Devonport and Melbourne

Seven Hobart to Melbourne Jetstar flights will also operate each week.

A Qantas plane takes off from Hobart Airport. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

In a statement, Qantas said customer contact centres were currently experiencing long wait times from people seeking to change their travel plans as a result of the coronavirus.

“To help manage the demand we ask that customers only call if they have travel within the next 48 hours,” the statement read.

“We’re converting all bookings on cancelled flights to a travel credit, which can be used anywhere on our network.

“Affected customers will be contacted directly from next Monday. Any customers travelling before the end of May who wish to change their booking are also eligible to receive a travel credit instead.”

Qantas said changes to flights booked through an intermediary agency would need to be made by contacting the booking agent.