King Island air access boosted as Rex and Sharp Airlines expand services

King Island’s transport network is receiving a significant lift, with major service expansions announced by both Rex Airlines and Sharp Airlines.

The developments mark a rapid rebound for the island's tourism and community connectivity following earlier disruptions in the region.

Rex has confirmed it will operate a second daily return flight between Melbourne (MEL) and King Island (KNS) on peak summer demand days, driven by strong winter load factors and route performance.

The additional flights will inject an extra 612 seats into the schedule and are already available for forward bookings online.

The second daily flight dates commence 28 December through January 2027.

The additional flight outbound Melbourne to King Island and return is 08:10 arriving 09:05 and return 10:20. Rex's regular lunchtime flight remains unchanged.

Complementing these updates, the Tasmanian Government has partnered with Sharp Airlines to deliver up to six return services each week between Melbourne (Essendon) and King Island, running from October 2026 through to the end of April 2027.

Sharp Airlines has also expanded its direct Launceston-King Island services with non-stop flights now operating four days per week departing Launceston at 7:00am and arriving on King Island at 8:00am. 

"The introduction of additional direct services is another important step in strengthening the Bass Strait network.

We're not simply adding flights, we're creating a more efficient network that benefits our passengers, freight customers, local businesses, and the communities we serve," CEO Sharp Airlines Alistair Dorward said.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Roger Jaensch, noted that the backing of Sharp by the Tasmanian government aims to restore vital connectivity following Rex’s earlier withdrawal from the Melbourne–Burnie–King Island route.

"King Island is one of Tasmania’s most unique and valued destinations, and we know how important, reliable air access is for locals, businesses and visitors," Minister Jaensch said.

"We also understand the withdrawal of [Sharp's Essendon] services earlier this year created challenges for the community, which is why our Government has worked with Sharp Airlines to deliver a schedule that reflects passenger demand and seasonal travel patterns."

Sharp Airlines will operate four services per week Melbourne (Essendon) – King Island October - early November 2026 and five services per week mid-November – mid December 2026. This will increase to six services from late December 2026 – March 2027 and reduce to five services in April 2027.

Bookings, full schedules, and fare details for these services are available directly through the Sharp and Rex Airlines websites.

Mayor Marcus Blackie praised the combined efforts to stabilise and grow regional aviation links for the community, highlighting the vital role of both carriers in securing the island's transport needs.

"We acknowledge a great return to form by Sharp Airlines and the additional support provided by the Tasmanian State Government to augment intrastate services and restart Essendon services from October," Mayor Blackie said.

"We also warmly welcome Rex’s commitment to add much-needed peak capacity with their second daily return flights, proving that demand is strong and confidence is returning to our skies. We are recovering this situation remarkably quickly and I certainly acknowledge a great Tasmanian team effort. I now encourage all King Islanders and potential visitors to crack on with forward bookings with renewed confidence."