Rex to temporarily continue Qld flights after losing patronage to COVID-19 restrictions

Last minute intervention has kept a regional airline up in the air, for now. But western centres from Townsville could still lose the carrier.

Rex has announced it would continue to fly in Queensland until at least April 8. Photo: AAP Image/James Gourley

Last minute intervention has kept a regional airline up in the air.

Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and Regional Express (Rex) agreed to reverse its decision to suspend Queensland flights from today.

Instead Rex, Australia’s largest independent regional airline, will resume full services at a reduced schedule until April 8 – after which the airline’s suspension of Queensland flights may still proceed.

Flights from Townsville to Winton and Winton to Longreach will be temporarily reduced from two return services to one, flying on Thursday.

The three return services from Townsville to Hughenden, Hughenden to Richmond, Richmond to Julia Creek and Julia Creek to Mount Isa will also be reduced to one service, departing on Friday.

Gulf routes and flights to the west will also be temporarily reduced.

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In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange yesterday, the airline said it had no choice but to declare a force majeure event for its contract with the Queensland Government after it rejected reduced schedule approach.

Rex operates five regulated routes which are funded under a State Government contract.

Rex said it first requested consideration assistance from the Queensland Government on March 19 and had since made numerous appeals.

Originally published as Rex to temporarily continue Qld flights after losing patronage to COVID-19 restrictions