Link Airways to launch one hour direct flights from Newcastle Airport at Williamtown to Canberra in November

Link Airways said it would commence the flights on its 34-seat Saab 340B Plus aircraft on Friday, November 20 with an initial schedule of four return services per week, on Monday and Friday, growing to 11 return services per week in 2021.

"With a flight time of just 60 minutes this new service will provide passengers the opportunity to spend a full business day at their destination and return home that same afternoon whilst also facilitating potential for weekend stays," Link Airways CEO Andrew Major said.

Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock said the service would offer the region greater choice and flexibility on a route which supports vital government, defence and business connections.

"At a time when we can see some hope on the horizon for the aviation industry, this is great news," he said.

"Our airport is surrounded by the largest regional economy in the country with a catchment that has a high propensity to travel. The ACT is also on a strong growth trajectory, so it's not surprising that we now have two airlines servicing this route as we do to other major capitals."