The Tasmanian borders have opened to ACT residents today, Monday 26 October, but Canberrans will have to wait until Thursday 5 November to fly direct to the island state.
Tasmania borders are now open to all states except NSW and Victoria, allowing travellers from other jurisdictions to enter without a quarantine period.
Australian carrier Link Airways previously announced it would offer four direct services from Canberra to Hobart weekly from 3 December, but has since brought the start date forward to 5 November.
Canberra Airport head of aviation Michael Thompson said the route had seen a lot of interest since it was first announced last month.
“This service has been really well received since its launch four weeks ago, with several flights booked out,” he said.
“The demand is strong leading up to Christmas and Link Airways will continue to add services where there is demand and have already added additional services to the schedule.”
The Tasmanian Government has stated it will allow travellers from low-risk areas, such as the ACT, to travel through NSW and Victoria on their way to Tasmania, but they are only able to stop for petrol in those states.
All travellers are required to register their travel and contact details on the Tas e-Travel website online before entering the Tasmania.
The Link Airways service will offer four weekly return services between 5 November and the end of the year, with a plan to grow to 11 return flights per week in 2021.
Further flights are set to take off from the Canberra Airport in coming weeks, including Fly Pelican’s new direct route to Port Macquarie twice a week from 1 November.
Link Airways will also offer a new direct route between Canberra and Newcastle from 20 November, with an initial four flights per week.
