Direct flights from Hobart to Singapore, Hong Kong?

Singapore and Hong Kong could appear on the departures board at Hobart, as Tasmania hopes to lure Asian travellers seeking a very different ‘down under’ experience.

The Tasmanian government confirms talks with Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific “to lock in direct flight routes between Hobart and Asia,” says Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

“These are two world-leading air carriers and we’d love to see them flying direct to Hobart.”

Tasmania’s state tourism authority rates both Singapore and Hong Kong as “peak value” markets whose visitors tend to spend more during their stay.

Hobart Airport’s single runway is currently undergoing a $20 million overhaul to accommodate larger long-range aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.

“With upgrades at Hobart Airport, we’re soon going to be able to fly to and from cities in Asia,” Rockliff said. 

“Just like those direct flights to New Zealand, it’ll mean less of those pesky stops in Melbourne.”

Singapore Airlines currently flies to seven Australian cities, and Cathay Pacific five, but Tasmania always remains one additional domestic flight away.

Airlines often begin new routes on a seasonal basis, and this could especially be the case with the Asia-Tasmania market.

As previously reported, another element of Hobart’s expansion program involves the opening of an all-new Qantas Club in 2027.