Qantas will significantly boost its weekly flights between Hobart and Brisbane from late October, in a route expansion underwritten by Tasmanian taxpayers.
The airline will run daily services from October 25 through to the April 2027 school holidays, before scaling back to four return flights a week until the end of August 2027.
The deal adds 40,000 seats to a route already served by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.
The expansion has been funded through the state government’s $5.5 million Aviation Attraction Fund.
The fund was originally set up to open new routes, including the Jetstar Hobart to Newcastle service launched in December 2025 and a Link Airways Launceston to Canberra route that began in May.
Its guidelines were amended in November 2025 to also support capacity increases on existing services.
QantasLink chief executive Mark Dal Pra said the airline would use its new Airbus A220 aircraft on the route.
“Together with the Tasmanian government and Hobart Airport we’re making it easier for Queenslanders to discover one of Australia’s most spectacular destinations ahead of the summer peak,” Dal Pra said.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the boost would drive new visitation and connect Tasmanians to Brisbane’s international network.
“More direct seats between Hobart and Brisbane is great news for travellers and for Tasmania’s visitor economy and the Aviation Attraction Fund is a practical way to help add capacity where it’s needed most,” Carter said.
Queensland is one of Tasmania’s largest interstate source markets, alongside Victoria and New South Wales.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett said the extra capacity reflected growing demand from south-east Queensland.
“As an island state, we rely on strong capacity and frequent services to support our economy and ensure travel remains affordable and convenient for Tasmanians and visitors alike,” Howlett said.
“By increasing services, we’re driving visitation, supporting local jobs and creating more opportunities for Tasmanians.”
