Sharp Airlines will restart direct services between Melbourne (Essendon) and King Island from 1 October 2026, backed by Tasmanian Government support running through to the end of April 2027.
The seasonal route returns following sustained advocacy from King Island's community and business sector, giving residents, businesses and visitors renewed certainty over one of Tasmania's key regional air links heading into the peak summer period.
The schedule was developed jointly with the Tasmanian Government, drawing on historical travel patterns, booking data and seasonal demand trends. Services will ramp up progressively over the season to as many as six return flights a week, with capacity added as bookings strengthen. Sharp Airlines and the Tasmanian Government will continue to monitor demand throughout the season and have flagged the ability to add further services if required.
The timing lines up with King Island's busiest tourism period, when the island's internationally ranked golf courses draw visitors alongside those travelling for food, nature and touring experiences. Direct Melbourne access is considered critical for local tourism operators, accommodation providers and hospitality businesses during this window.
Sharp Airlines CEO Alistair Dorward said the schedule had been built to balance community need with the route's long-term viability.
"We know how important this service is to the King Island community, local businesses and the visitor economy, particularly through summer, when the island welcomes golfers and holidaymakers from around Australia and overseas," Dorward said.
"Rather than simply operating a fixed timetable, we have carefully designed a schedule that reflects historical demand while maintaining the flexibility to respond as bookings strengthen."
"Our shared priority with the Tasmanian Government is to build a sustainable service that can continue to grow over time. Community support will play a vital role in achieving that."
Sharp Airlines thanked the Tasmanian Government and King Island's businesses and community members for their support in securing the service.
Beyond tourism, the resumed Melbourne route is also expected to improve access for islanders travelling for business, health and personal reasons, and will support freight customers and local businesses more broadly. The seasonal service adds to Sharp Airlines' existing year-round flights linking King Island with Burnie and Launceston, which will continue unchanged.
The airline is encouraging early bookings, noting that forward booking data helps inform capacity decisions across the season.
At a glance
- Services commence: 1 October 2026
- Operating until: 30 April 2027
- Frequency: building to up to six return services per week
- Fares from: $259 (incl. GST) one way
- Bookings open now at sharpairlines.com.au