Sharp to resume King Island-Melbourne flights in October

King Island’s summer air access has received a major boost, with Sharp Airlines confirming direct Melbourne (Essendon) to King Island flights will return from October.

The service will operate through to the end of April 2027, with up to six return services a week planned over the peak summer period.

Bookings are expected to open in the coming days, with further details and updated timetables to be announced shortly.

The return of the Essendon route is major news for King Island after the suspension of Sharp’s Melbourne services at the end of April 2026 and recent reductions in market capacity.

For residents, businesses, tourism operators and visitors, the direct Essendon link has long been one of the island’s most important connections with Victoria.

Sharp Airlines said it had worked closely with the Tasmanian Government and key stakeholders to restore strong access during one of King Island’s most important tourism periods.

The airline said the additional capacity would support tourism operators, golf travel, local businesses and producers, while providing certainty for forward bookings and the broader visitor economy.

Sharp Airlines Chief Executive Officer Alistair Dorward said the announcement represented an important milestone for the island.

“We welcome the strong partnership we have with the Tasmanian Government and the collaborative approach being taken to secure the future of connectivity for the Bass Strait Islands,” Mr Dorward said.

“There has been encouraging progress over recent months and we are actively working together on longer-term solutions that will support residents, businesses and the visitor economy for many years to come.

“King Island has been part of our network for generations and we remain committed to playing our part in delivering a strong and sustainable future for the community.”

The flights have been secured with support from the Tasmanian Government and were announced alongside the release of the Tasmanian Access Strategy 2040.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Roger Jaensch said the Government recognised the ongoing access challenges facing regional communities, particularly the commercial viability of services to King Island and Flinders Island.

“I understand how distressing this has been for businesses and the community,” Minister Jaensch said.