The Tasmanian government will support flights operated by Sharp Airlines (SH, Hamilton, VI) between Melbourne Essendon and King Island from October 2026 through April 2027, according to the newly released Tasmanian Access Strategy 2040.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Events minister Roger Jaensch said the government would fund the services for the IATA northern winter 2026/2027 season and was working with the carrier to finalise schedules. Up to 6x weekly flights are planned during the peak Australian summer period.

The regional carrier suspended the route in April 2026 when it became unviable to maintain. Chief executive Alistair Dorward told ch-aviation in February that the route required government support to remain commercially viable, and that discussions with authorities were ongoing.

Sharp Airlines continues to operate flights to Burnie and Launceston out of King Island with its fleet of Metroliners.

The state previously funded the airline's Bass Strait island services between May 2025 and April 2026 during the voluntary administration of Rex - Regional Express (ZL, Wagga Wagga).

The transport strategy also targets increased frequencies to mainland Australian capitals, year-round New Zealand links, and the introduction of direct seasonal flights from a "key Asian hub". It also features infrastructure investments, including a AUD200 million Australian dollar (USD130 million) terminal expansion at Hobart International and a AUD100 million (USD65 million) redevelopment at Launceston.