Sharp Airlines Launches New Direct Flights Between Launceston and King Island
Sharp Airlines is pleased to announce the introduction of a new direct flight between Launceston and King Island, operating every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 May 2026.
The new non-stop service will provide a faster, more convenient connection between Launceston and King Island, significantly improving access for residents, visitors, businesses and freight customers.
This new route marks the first direct air link between Launceston and King Island, cutting travel time from 95 minutes to just 55 minutes. Existing services via Burnie will continue on all other days, ensuring continued connectivity across the broader network.
What this means for King Island and Tasmania?
The introduction of direct flights delivers a range of benefits across the island and broader Tasmanian market:
• Visitors and tourism: a 55-minute direct flight makes King Island a genuine short-break destination from Launceston. More visitors means more spend on accommodation, food, produce and island experiences.
• Business access: Professionals can reach King Island for a morning meeting and return the same afternoon. The island becomes a practical business destination, not a two-day expedition.
• Residents: Two more days per week with fast, direct access to Launceston’s hospitals, services, schools and retail.
• Freight and producers: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the direct service carries full freight capacity straight to King Island, no longer shared with the Burnie leg. For the island’s dairy, beef, seafood and abalone producers, that is a direct and immediate economic benefit.
• A new visitor market: Launceston has never had a direct air link to King Island. These flights open a new source of visitors and demand for the island economy.
Sharp Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Alistair Dorward, said the introduction of the new direct route reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to improving regional connectivity and supporting the communities it serves.
“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.
“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.”
Introductory special fares over winter
To celebrate the launch, Sharp Airlines will also be rolling out a special promotional fare for the new direct service, with more details to be announced soon via Sharp Airlines’ social media channels.
The new direct Launceston–King Island service will commence from 1 May 2026, with bookings available via www.sharpairlines.com.au or by calling 1300 55 66 94.
Sharp Airlines is one of the largest privately owned aviation businesses in Australia, operating 23 Metroliner aircraft servicing 5 states in the Airline, Charter, an FIFO market, and carries over 100,000 passengers and more than 2 million kilograms of freight per annum. With bases in Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston, Melbourne (Essendon) and Perth.
Yours sincerely,
Alistair Dorward
Chief Executive Officer
Sharp Airlines
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