• Virgin Australia will relaunch services between Sydney and Canberra from 30 January 2022, using Link Airways aircraft and crew. 
• The services will operate 53 times per week, with up to 9 flights per day on weekdays, adding up to 16,250 seats between the two cities each month. 
• Fares can be purchased from today at virginaustralia.com 
• All Virgin Australia fares include Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and up to double Status Credits^ as part of an ongoing loyalty promotion. 
• Passengers can change or cancel to travel credit with no fees for all domestic travel up to 30 April 2022*. 

Thursday 2 December 2021: Virgin Australia will resume flights between Sydney and Canberra from 30 January 2022, with more than 50 services available between the two capital cities each week, under an exclusive agreement with Link Airways.  

The services, which were first paused in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic, will be operated using Link Airways’ Saab 340 B Plus aircraft and crew, with up to 9 flights per weekday available to be booked now at virginaustralia.com. 

The resumption of Virgin Australia Sydney-Canberra services will be welcome news for corporate, leisure, and government sector customers who will now have more choice and flexibility when travelling to and from Capital Hill. 

Virgin Australia customers travelling on the short flights with Link Airways will receive a complimentary tea, coffee and water.  

The agreement with Link Airways will extend the Virgin Australia domestic network reach into markets like Sydney-Canberra that its’ own 737-800 aircraft cannot serve effectively.  As the airline quickly ramps up capacity across domestic and short-haul international services it will continue to evaluate new destinations and opportunities to connect Australia.  Since September, Virgin Australia has launched 15 new services, some of which have never been operated in the airline’s 21-year history, as the revitalised business takes flight under new ownership. 

Today’s announcement comes as Virgin Australia welcomes back customers to its Canberra Lounge, which boasts a new and improved menu, along with excellent Australian wine and craft beer options. Eligible customers travelling on Virgin Australia flights with Link Airways will continue to have access to Virgin Australia lounges when they fly. 

Statement from Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka:  

“Canberra is a very important destination for Virgin Australia and we’re excited to re-launch a Sydney-Canberra service,” said Ms Hrdlicka. 

“The service will provide more than 16,000 seats each month between the two cities, which is welcome news for our corporate and leisure customers and particularly those in the government sector who regularly travel to and from Sydney. 

“Services will operate nine times per day on weekdays, providing even more choice and flexibility for Virgin Australia customers. We’ll also continue to offer some of the best value fares in the market which are now available to be booked via our website. 

“Eligible customers travelling on the services will continue to have access to the Virgin Australia Canberra Lounge which is ready to welcome back loyal members to experience our award-winning service and fantastic new menu. 

“Virgin Australia is always looking for new ways to connect Australians and today’s announcement is a really great example of how we are working strategically to benefit our customers. Our Sydney-Canberra services is the 15th new service we have added to our domestic network since September, and we are looking forward to launching many more next year,” she said. 

Statement from Chief Executive Office, Link Airways Andrew Major: 

“Link Airways are excited to work with Virgin Australia on the resumption of their services connecting Canberra and Sydney. The frequency of the services offered is a strong indication of the value Virgin Australia places in facilitating connections between Canberra and interstate destinations. As a Canberra headquartered airline, we particularly look forward to the commencement of the services in January,” said Mr Major.  

Statement from Head of Aviation, Canberra Airport Michael Thomson:  

“We are delighted to welcome back Virgin Australia’s Canberra to Sydney service. This service will provide great connectivity between Canberra and Sydney and we are sure it will be well supported by travellers from both cities and the region,” said Mr Thomson. 

“We are seeing the strong return of aviation with flights increasing each week as border restrictions ease across Australia and people get back to flying. We are confident that flights and passengers will continue to increase in 2022. Canberra tourism and business are ready to welcome back travellers to the Capital and Canberrans are ready to recommence their travel plans,” he said.  

NEW LOUNGE MENU 

Virgin Australia has unveiled a range of exciting new dishes across the airline’s domestic lounge network as part of its ongoing program to enhance the guest experience and appeal to its heartland customer. 

Dishes will be available from a range of menus that will rotate monthly, providing variety and choice to suit a range of taste buds at any time of the day. 

Highlight dishes: 

• Sourdough toast topped with avocado fetta served with chilli flakes and a lemon wedge 
• Breakfast croissant (ham, scrambled eggs, cheese) 
• Penne bolognaise with parmesan cheese 
• Potato rosti with crispy bacon and baked beans 
• Avocado, baby spinach, grated, carrot, cucumber, Hummus, and falafel wrap 
• Black rice, beetroot with walnut and fetta salad 
• Karaage chicken served with slaw and mayonnaise 
• Mediterranean plate with falafel, tabouli and hummus
• Freshly baked cookies 
• Chocolate coconut Macaroon 
• Scones topped with fresh cream and Jam Gelato cups 

A selection freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, wraps and healthy snacks will continue to be served to complement the new menu items. 

VELOCITY FREQUENT FLYER 

All Virgin Australia services operated by Link Airways will continue to earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and up to double Status Credits^ as part of an ongoing loyalty promotion. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

*Changes must be made prior to travel date. Fare differences may apply. Cancellations with refund to other forms of payment as per fare rules. See virginaustralia.com for terms and conditions.   

^Bonus Status Credits
Promotion is valid between 12:01am AEST 01 October 2021 to 11:59pm AEDT 31 March 2022 (inclusive). For more information on Status Credits and bonus earn rates, click here. Terms and conditions and exclusions apply, visit here.