Summer starting early in Launceston as direct services resume

Tasmanians are set to benefit from more direct seasonal services with Virgin Australia this summer, bringing forward the resumption of direct flights out of Launceston Airport to Adelaide and Perth to accommodate growing passenger numbers.

Seasonal direct services to Adelaide launch today and will operate three times a week through to 6 April 2024, adding an extra 28,500 direct seats to and from Launceston whilst Perth direct seasonal services will commence on the 9th of this month, operating three times a week to 29 March 2024.

CEO of Launceston Airport Shane O'Hare said the early resumption of these routes has been driven by strong demand in the market.

"We are busy and getting busier with more than 70,000 passengers expected through the airport over the current school holiday period, this comes after the busiest August on record at Launceston Airport," he said.

"These additional routes will give Northern Tasmanian's direct access to all five mainland state capitals.

“In the future we hope to build both these routes into year-round services as well as working with our other airline partners to bolster existing operations, increasing travel options for Tasmanian’s and visitors alike.

"The importance of these seats to the state cannot be forgotten, each additional tourist arriving into the Apple Isle adds $3000 to the state economy, putting money into local business and growing jobs.

Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said the airline's schedule into Launceston Airport for the next six months was 70 per cent higher than the same period pre-COVID.

"Capacity on our Brisbane-Launceston route alone has grown by 200 per cent since 2019 with an average of almost six services per week scheduled over the 2023/2024 summer peak," he said.

"Today's announcement further highlights the importance of Launceston and Tasmania to Virgin Australia's customers and network."

CEO of Visit Northern Tasmania Tracey Mallett says the tourism industry in Northern Tasmania is looking forward to welcoming all visitors this summer season.

"Our tourism operators are ready to give visitors the best experience possible. With the resumption of direct flights from Adelaide and Perth, it will be even easier to get here and experience Northern Tasmania’s hidden gems," she said.

"We have an action packed event calendar with something to appeal to all our visitors.”

For further information contact: Launceston Airport Media on (03) 9335 3666