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Sharp Airlines will launch non-stop flights between Launceston and King Island next month.
Operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 May, the flights will complement the existing services via Burnie on other days, cutting the travel time from 95 to 55 minutes and “significantly improving access for residents, visitors, businesses and freight customers”, the airline said.
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“These new direct flights are a genuine step forward for our King Island services. We’ve listened to the needs of the community and recognised the importance of faster, more efficient connections between King Island and Launceston,” said Sharp Airlines CEO Alistair Dorward.
“This new route improves the travel experience for residents and visitors alike, while also strengthening access for business, tourism and freight.
“King Island remains a vital part of our network, and this investment reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the island community and helping unlock future opportunity.”
Launceston Airport has applauded the move, saying it will boost connectivity.
“We welcome Sharp Airlines’ first non-stop connection from Launceston Airport to King Island and we are pleased to have Sharp Airlines expanding its Launceston offering,” a spokesperson said.
“Not only will this open up faster passenger and cargo connections to King Island, but Launceston Airport’s growing domestic schedule provides the opportunity for easy onward connections for passengers to and from capital cities across mainland Australia.”
The news comes after Sharp earlier this year flagged that it could drop its Melbourne (Essendon) to King Island services and suspended forward bookings beyond this month.
“While no final decisions have been made, we have been clear in flagging that a sustainable pathway forward will require some form of government support,” said Dorward in February.
“At this stage, no further flights between Melbourne and King Island will be loaded for sale beyond the end of April 2026.”
A decision by Sharp to exit the route would leave Melbourne-King Island served mainly by Rex from Tullamarine, though Sharp at this stage looks to be continuing its Melbourne-Flinders Island service from Essendon, as well as its King Island flights from Burnie and Launceston.
Sharp had in 2024 indicated it was willing to double its capacity between Melbourne and King Island if Rex was unable to meet demand during its administration.
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