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Residents of two regional NSW towns will be left without direct QantasLink flights to Melbourne as the airline prepares to axe services.
Albury and Wagga Wagga will lose Qantas flights to the Victorian capital from March due to declining demand, though the carrier will still serve Sydney and Brisbane from both cities. The move will leave Albury-Melbourne with no services, and Wagga Wagga-Melbourne served only by Rex.
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The Flying Kangaroo will continue to fly from both Albury and Wagga Wagga to Sydney and Brisbane, saying demand remains high.
“We know this is frustrating for customers and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” a Qantas spokesperson said.
“We’ve tried a range of initiatives to boost demand including adjusting schedules, working with local councils and offering multiple sales, however demand is still well below sustainable levels.
“All impacted passengers have been contacted directly and offered options, including refunds or alternative same day flights via our Sydney or Brisbane services.”
The move was met with “deep disappointment” from local members Michael McCormack and Sussan Ley, who noted their understanding that the Wagga Wagga service was “unsustainably” operating at less than half its passenger capacity, and Albury at less than 40 per cent.
“We will be jointly writing to Qantas to express our concern about the axing of these routes, which will certainly have a detrimental impact on Wagga Wagga, Albury, and the wider region we represent,” they wrote in a joint statement.
“This announcement is a clear reflection of the worsening economic conditions being felt by industries and households across the nation and particularly in the Riverina and Farrer electorates, with many people conducting their business virtually due to ever-tightening margins. Those who are travelling for recreational and health reasons are choosing cheaper options.
“We have been assured that demand is strong for the Wagga Wagga to Sydney, Wagga Wagga to Brisbane, Albury to Sydney and Albury to Brisbane services and there is no indication these routes will be adversely affected by today’s announcement.”
While Rex still flies from Wagga Wagga to Melbourne, the regional carrier had dropped its Albury-Melbourne service in 2022 citing “illegal predatory behaviour” on the part of Qantas.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack told the Border Mail that his council will look into potential replacements for the QantasLink Melbourne service.
“Albury City maintains regular engagement with airline partners and the broader aviation sector,” he said.
“We are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand regional air services, including discussions about reinstating Melbourne connections and improving overall service coverage.
“Our focus remains on securing reliable, commercially sustainable air services that meet the needs of our community and the regional economy.”
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