Tasmania’s only direct international flight linking Auckland and Hobart departed earlier today for the last time ahead a six-month hiatus.
Late last year, Air New Zealand announced an indefinite suspension of flights NZ195 and NZ198 due to engine maintenance requirements.
In February, Pulse revealed the airline planned to resume the direct connection in October, marking the launch of a future seasonal service.
Air New Zealand’s Short Haul General Manager Jeremy O’Brien said the carrier had every intention of returning the service.
“We look forward to being able to provide travellers with the direct route three times a week, commencing from 27 October and running through to the end of March 2025,” O’Brien said.
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark said New Zealand was a crucial visitor market for the state.
17,000 Kiwi’s came to Tasmania last year, with recent data showing they boasted the highest average spending of any international visitors in 2023.
“The direct Auckland to Hobart service, first introduced in 2021, has proven popular with thousands of travellers, including many Tasmanians. We are excited to see it recommencing from October,” Clark said.
“US passengers have taken advantage of this route, providing one-stop connectivity to Tasmania via Auckland from major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston and New York.”
