Jetstar will launch direct flights between Hobart and Newcastle from December, connecting two of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations for the first time.
The low-cost carrier will operate three services per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using an Airbus A320 aircraft.
The new connection marks the first time Tasmania and the Hunter Region have been linked by air.
The service will run from December 2 through to April 21, adding 22,000 low-cost seats to the market.
From December to March, flights leave Newcastle at 3:25pm and Hobart at 6:05pm.
From late March to April, flights leave Newcastle at 12:35pm and Hobart at 3:15pm.
“The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline and arrivals are set to soar yet again,” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said.
Jetstar will celebrate the launch with a 24-hour sale from 11am today with one-way fares starting at $59.
The Hunter Region, located two hours north of Sydney, draws visitors for its wineries, whale watching, beaches and Newcastle’s city attractions.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Jane Howlett said the route was secured through the state government’s aviation attraction fund.
She said the flights would unlock new travel opportunities for both Tasmanians and visitors.
“This is a regional market that has already shown strong appetite for what Tasmania has to offer,” she said.
The announcement comes as Qantas relaunches flights from Hobart to Perth and returns a Hobart to Canberra route in late October.
Hobart’s sole direct flight to Auckland with Air New Zealand will also take to the skies for the first time in several months on Sunday, October 26.
