Launceston Airport boosts major city network with Perth flights starting November

For the first time in Launceston Airport’s 90-year history, travellers will be able to fly directly to Perth on regular commercial services thanks to Virgin Australia.

The announcement means Northern Tasmania will now have a direct connection to every mainland state capital, and follows the successful launch of Virgin Australia flights to Adelaide earlier this week.

The new Perth services will start on November 5 and operate on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, with tickets now on sale.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare praised Virgin Australia’s commitment to the region.

“In September alone, Virgin has launched a new route to Adelaide, committed to Perth and increased capacity to Brisbane, which combined add around 3,000 new seats to the airport each week,” he said.

“This month’s domestic growth coupled with the airport’s increased airline capacity during the pandemic prove Launceston is a rising tourism destination especially for the long-weekend leisure market.

“We’re home to some of the nation’s best restaurants, bars and distilleries plus the airport is closely positioned to the Tamar Valley wine region and some of Tasmania’s best natural attractions like Cataract Gorge.

“Business travel is also a growing sector as the population rises and the city continues to evolve under the Launceston City Deal.

“Importantly, the new airline services will help revive our airport workforce as we progressively welcome back more staff.

“Western Australia has long been on our radar as an untapped market for the north of Tasmania, and we look forward to enabling frequent travel opportunities for people at both ends.

“We look forward to facilitating all the new interstate connections which will help drive patronage at our hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions.”

To celebrate the launch, Virgin Australia is offering passengers the chance to snap up one-way Economy fares from as low as $149 until midnight tomorrow, which are expected to sell out quickly. The sale fares, which include Economy Lite and Economy Choice fares, can be booked directly at virginaustralia.com.