QantasLink ends flights to Lorde Howe Island after 30 years
On May 16, QantasLink made it’s final flight to Lord Howe Island after over 30 years of servicing the remote destination.
One of the Q200’s that QantasLink used to service the island | Photo: Mitchell R Hope
Qantas initially flew to Lord Howe Island using flying boats in the 1940s-50s, but QantasLink's direct services have been in place for over 30 years, since 1991, with the route being a key part of QantasLink's regional network. QantasLink uses Q200s to fly to the Island as it is the only aircraft in the Qantas fleet capable of landing on the island’s short runway.
So what now? While Qantas will no longer fly to Lord Howe anymore, flights to the island aren’t ending, as Qantas has began a new codeshare agreement with Skytrans to ensure the route is maintained. You can still book flights through the Qantas website and earn QF Frequent Flyer points as well as access Qantas lounges in Sydney.
QantasLink will continue using its Q200s and share their operating license with Skytrans, and Skytrans pilots and cabin crew may be training or operating the flights during the transition until February 25, 2026. From February 26, 2026, until March 2030, Skytrans will operate all flights to Lord Howe Island under its exclusive license.
Skytrans is an Australian regional airline that has been servicing the Cape and Torres Strait region in Queensland for more than 30 years, they operate a fleet of Dash 8 Q200s and Airbus A319s. Flexflight is a provider of distribution and ticketing capabilities for Skytrans.
As the new air travel system unfolds, Visit Lord Howe - supported by the Lord Howe Island Board and Transport for NSW - remains committed to advocating for safe, sustainable access to Lord Howe, a World Heritage-listed island.
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the news followed a June commitment to maintaining services to the island and that the airline is pleased to maintain a reliable air service with Skytrans to Lord Howe while the Q200s are phased out.