The surprising decision comes despite Defence Minister Richard Marles previously saying that purchasing the B-21 was “being examined” and US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall suggesting his country would be “willing to talk” about a deal.

From 1 May, nine routes served by Saab 340 turboprop aircraft in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland will see reduced services, with four more routes to have timings changed, and the Mildura-Adelaide service to be suspended altogether.

The eight-year-old 737-800 (similar aircraft pictured), VH-XZL, departed Melbourne (Tullamarine) as flight QF769 to Perth at 9:52am on Sunday morning, 23 April, but returned to the airport about an hour into the journey after the crew reported the smell of fumes in the cockpit.

Post-COVID, Brisbane didn't have a service to South Korea despite Sydney offering five carriers on the route, including Qantas and Jetstar.