Launceston Airport welcomes new Qantas service to Sydney

For the first time in more than 15 years, Qantas will operate non-stop flights between Sydney and Launceston giving people in both cities more choice, flexibility and convenience on a full-service carrier. 

The flying kangaroo will run four flights a week until the end of March and will continue with two services per week until the end of October 2021.

Flights will land into Launceston on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays at 12:50pm and will depart on the same day at 1:50pm.

Each week Qantas will offer guests 880 seats, servicing the popular route on a Boeing 717.

Launceston Airport CEO Hans van Pelt said he expected Qantas’ service to be popular as the nation rebuilds from COVID-19.

“We know there’s plenty of pent-up demand to fly around Australia, especially with international tourism off the cards for the foreseeable future,” said Mr van Pelt.

“Since the border reopened to New South Wales about a month ago, we have seen around 9,500 people fly the Launceston-Sydney route and that number is only going to grow with Qantas entering the market.

“The return of Qantas’ service is a huge win for passengers, it provides a two-class offering appealing to both leisure and business travellers.”  

Speaking from Launceston to mark the inaugural flights, Qantas Executive Manager, Sales and Distribution, Igor Kwiatkowski said the new flights reinforced the airline’s commitment to Tasmanian tourism.

“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in helping the industry recover from COVID-19,” said Mr Kwiatkowski.

“Ongoing international border closures mean Australians are more inspired than ever to explore their own backyard. We want to help kickstart that boom and will be working with our tourism partners to promote the best of Tasmania’s unspoilt landscape, fine foods and fresh produce to travellers around Australia.

“These new flights also provide business travellers with more premium travel options, with a checked baggage allowance, inflight entertainment and food and drinks all included, as well as the option to fly or upgrade to Business.

“We know there’s a huge pent up demand for travel. We’ve seen a strong response from travellers since these routes went on sale and have extended the new Launceston service to operate beyond the initial eight-week period.

“These flights will see more families and friends reconnect, deliver a boost for local businesses and help get more of our people flying again.”

John Fitzgerald, CEO Tourism Tasmania said that “it’s fantastic that we can now welcome visitors direct from Sydney to Launceston. This direct link will further support the work we are doing to attract visitors from New South Wales to our regions.”

The Launceston-Sydney route is the airport’s second busiest flight path carrying 307,800 people in calendar year 2019.

For further information contact: Launceston Airport - (03) 6391 6222