6 Apr 2013

Canberra - Hobart direct flights to end

7:00 am on 6 April 2013

Virgin Australia has scrapped its direct flights between Canberra and Hobart because of lack of demand.

Virgin currently runs the only direct flights between the capital and Tasmania.

The company flies three times a week in each direction between Canberra and Hobart.

The ABC reports the announcement was criticised by politicians and the tourism industry. Politicians often used the route to leave Canberra late on Friday and get back early Monday morning.

The last direct flight will be on 28 April.

Virgin said travellers who hold tickets after that date will be offered seats on other flights.

The airline said there are still about 110 flights a week between Canberra and Hobart that fly via Sydney or Melbourne.