Qantas has closed two major routes across regional NSW, with low demand being blamed for the imminent shutdown.
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The airline announced on Friday, January 30, that it would cease flying between Melbourne and Albury and Melbourne and Wagga, with the withdrawal to take effect from Sunday, March 1.
However, despite those cuts, Qantas has confirmed to this masthead there will be no changes to its routes across Western NSW including services from and to Orange, Dubbo, and Broken Hill.
"We've made the difficult decision to suspend flights between Melbourne and Albury due to declining demand, especially in recent months, with many flights less than 40 per cent full," a Qantas spokeswoman said.
"We know this is frustrating for customers and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
"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."
The spokeswoman said it had been a similar situation with the Wagga route.
"Despite efforts to stimulate growth, demand for flights from Melbourne to Wagga Wagga has continued to decline, with many recent flights less than half full, and we've had to make the difficult decision to suspend services on the route," she said.
Qantas has been operating Dash 8-Q400 planes, which have a capacity of 74 seats, on the routes.
The Flying Kangaroo will maintain flights from Albury and Wagga to Sydney and Brisbane.
The Albury to Melbourne route had struggled with the closer proximity of the Victorian capital to the Border and the reduction in V/Line train fares which has made rail a more attractive option.
Passengers with flights booked on the abandoned routes will be offered refunds.
"All impacted customers have been contacted directly and provided with options, including alternative flights via Sydney and Brisbane or refunds," the spokeswoman said.
The move means Albury will no longer be serviced by commercial flights to Melbourne with Qantas having shared the route with Regional Express before that airline ended its runs in May 2022.
At the time REX blamed Qantas for its decision, saying it had been driven out by "predatory behaviour".
Anthony Bunn
