Established Australian airline Link Airways is pleased to announce the commencement of scheduled direct flights between Canberra and Launceston using the airline’s Saab 340B Plus aircraft. First flight will be on Wednesday 6 May 2026 with a schedule of four return services per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Flights will depart Canberra at 11.30am and arrive into Launceston at 1:20pm, the return service will depart Launceston at 1:50pm arriving into Canberra at 3:35pm. The Saab 340B Plus aircraft has full inflight cabin service and the standard inflight offering includes hot and cold beverages and premium snacks with complimentary beer/wine available on all afternoon and evening services.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said “The new Link Airways’ flights to Launceston are a welcome addition to Canberra Airport’s domestic network. Directly connecting the two cities makes it cheaper and easier to visit Canberra.”

Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, Michael Thomson, welcomed the announcement and highlighted the strategic importance of the new service. “We’re very pleased to partner with Link Airways to introduce direct flights to Launceston. This route opens new opportunities for travellers from both regions, whether it’s accessing the pristine north of Tasmania or exploring all that Canberra has to offer. We are also excited that this becomes our 12th domestic destination, meaning Canberrans have never been more connected. This supports our long-term vision to grow domestic travel opportunities and better serve the Nation’s Capital.”

Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said it was exciting to welcome a fifth carrier. "We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Link Airways to Launceston and in doing so provide our passengers with another direct link to the mainland," she said. ”Whether it be a direct school trip to Canberra or a hiking holiday of a lifetime, this service will be popular with travellers from both Launceston and Canberra. I'd like to thank the state government for its support in attracting this service to Launceston which will deliver tens of millions of dollars to the local economy in visitor spend."

Jeff Boyd, Manager of Network Strategy at Link Airways, said, “We are very pleased to announce the establishment of direct flights for passengers wanting to travel to Launceston and Northern Tasmania, and Tasmanians to visit the National Capital. It strengthens connectivity between the two regions and benefits business, government and leisure travellers alike. It  also creates new convenient connections for travellers through Link Airway’s codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia, providing great connectivity thanks to Virgin Australia's expansive route network”. He acknowledged the support provided for the establishment of the service by the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund in partnership with Canberra and Launceston Airports.

Passengers can earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points* under the award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program when they travel, and Link Airways is also pleased to provide complimentary pre-departure Virgin Australia Lounge access at Canberra airport for customers travelling on ‘Flexible’ and ‘Freedom’ fares.

Key Facts

Start Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026.

Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Bookings: linkairways.com or through on-line and shop front travel agents.

Customer Service: 1300 851 269 (+61 2 6123 1999).