Tourism chief hopes FNQ won’t be hit hard by Bonza collapse

Tourism bozzes have spoken about Bonza’s potential demise and its impact on the Far North Queensland sector hoping for a bumper season.

Grounded Bonza planes at Sunshine Coast airport on Tuesday morning. Picture: Lachie Millard

Tourism chiefs are hopeful Bonza’s potential demise will not have too much of an impact on a sector hoping for a bumper season.

The budget airline suddenly cancelled all of its flights on Tuesday amid reports its fleet of planes had been repossessed, and it was later confirmed the company had entered voluntary administration.

“Obviously it’s disappointing news to see what’s occurred, and devastating for all the staff at Bonza,” Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman John O’Sullivan said.

“But one thing our industry is very resilient at dealing with, particularly in the Far North, is setbacks and I think it’s a short term blip (for one company) rather than a sign of any medium or longer term problems (in tourism).”

Grounded Bonza planes at Sunshine Coast airport on Tuesday morning. Picture: Lachie Millard

Bonza operated a total of ten flights a week between Cairns and Maroochydore, the Gold Coast and Rockhampton.

A previous route between Cairns and Mackay was cancelled due to a lack of demand.

“We are working closely with airline partners and other airports to assist passengers affected by cancellations on the Bonza network today,” Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said.

“Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas are also offering support to these customers and have indicated they will offer seats at no charge, where available. Please contact the airlines directly. It is advised that passengers make alternative travel arrangements before arriving at the airport.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman John O’Sullivan (right) was still hopeful of a bumper season for the industry.

Opinion on social media was split about the fate of Bonza.

“We flew Bonza to Sunny Coast at Easter and they were great. Can’t fault them,” Cairns woman Kirsten Stewart said.

Other former customers said they were still waiting for refunds from Bonza for cancelled trips.

The fate of existing Bonza flights out of Cairns remained unclear on Tuesday afternoon.

A Wednesday morning flight to Maroochydore was cancelled but no warning message was displayed next to an afternoon flight to Gold Coast on the Cairns Airport website.

“We are awaiting further advice from Bonza and will provide updates where required,” Mr Barker said.

“Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-date information.”

Originally published as Tourism chief hopes FNQ won’t be hit hard by Bonza collapse