Regional airline Rex will indefinitely suspend its Port Macquarie to Sydney service from October 25, leaving QantasLink as the only option for those wishing to visit the state’s capital by plane.
“The environment of entrenched high fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, together with lack of demand, do not make these routes commercially viable at this time,” said a Rex spokesperson in a statement.
Rex stated it will “consider lifting the suspension of services once fuel prices decrease to a level that makes it commercially viable for flights to resume”.
Bad for business: Port Macquarie mayor Adam Roberts said the announcement creates uncertainty for Mid North Coast businesses and locals.
However, he also noted the “difficult environment facing regional airlines” and pledged that the council will “do everything we can to ensure Rex remains key to our region’s aviation future”.
Less than impressed: Federal Lyne MP Alison Penfold warned the decision means QantasLink will effectively have a monopoly on scheduled passenger flights from Port Macquarie.
“My concern is that less competition will mean higher fares for local passengers,” Penfold said.
“Regional Australians already pay a premium for so many essential services, they should not be penalised further simply because of where they live.”
What’s next: Rex has advised it will contact affected customers directly.
Passengers booked to travel on or after October 25 are set to be offered a full refund or the option to rebook on an alternative Rex service at no additional cost, subject to availability.
Image: Rex.