Link Airways will start direct flights between Canberra and Launceston on May 6 operating four return services a week.

The new service will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using the airline’s Saab 340B Plus aircraft.

Flights will depart Canberra at 11.30am, arriving in Launceston at 1.20pm. The return service will leave Launceston at 1.50pm and arrive in Canberra at 3.35pm.

Canberra Airport head of aviation Michael Thomson said the route would become the airport’s 12th domestic destination and expand travel opportunities between the two regions.

Fares start from $339 one-way.