Direct to the beach: Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour. NSW. Photo: VisitNSW
Direct flights to Coffs Harbour from Canberra Airport are returning this month.
The airport and Canberra-based Link Airways have announced that the seasonal offering will restart from 18 September.
The service to the popular tourist destination on the NSW Mid North Coast will operate twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday, with prices starting from $299 one way.
It will run until the end of January, to capitalise on the warmer months and summer school holidays.
The flights will also provide Mid North Coast residents with easy and convenient travel to Canberra, where they can discover the capital region’s cultural attractions, world-class events, and vibrant food scene.
Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, Michael Thomson, welcomed the return of the route.
“We’re delighted to see Link Airways bringing back this well-loved seasonal connection,” he said.
“Coffs Harbour’s beaches, national parks, and relaxed coastal lifestyle make it a favourite for holidaymakers and this direct service makes getting there easier than ever.”
Link Airways manager of network strategy Jeff Boyd said the airline was pleased to again offer the popular Canberra-Coffs Harbour route.
“This route continues to demonstrate strong demand, and we’re proud to offer travellers a reliable and convenient way to fly direct,” Mr Boyd said.
Link Airways manager of network strategy Jeff Boyd: Canberra-Coffs continues to offer strong demand. Photo: Link Airways.
ACT Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Andrew Barr said the service makes it easier for the communities of the Coffs Coast to travel to Canberra this Spring and was perfectly timed for the start of Floriade on 13 September.
“The new flights will further support local business and create more local jobs in our growing tourism industry,” he said.
Link launched the seasonal service in 2022. It operates Saab 340B Plus aircraft on the route, which can carry 34 passengers and three crew, with a flight time of just over 90 minutes.
Link Airways operates services across five states and territories to 15 destinations.
The route restart comes a week after Canberra Airport and Fly Pelican announced the launch of a new service to Melbourne Avalon Airport.
Canberra Airport is also gearing up for the return of international carrier Qatar Airways to the national capital in December.
The daily flights will operate via Melbourne to the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha. This will give Canberra travellers access to more than 170 destinations across Qatar Airways’ global network.
The airline will operate Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring its award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers.
Canberra Airport remains confident that Singapore Airlines, which has been rebuilding its fleet, will also return to the national capital.
Negotiations are continuing with Chinese carriers and on direct flights to New Zealand.
