Virgin Australia cuts regional routes in leaner operation under Bain Capital

Virgin Australia pulls out of eight ‘under performing’ regional routes as part of a reduced network for the embattled carrier.

Virgin Australia is already trimming its network after being sold to Bain Capital. Picture: Patrick Hamilton/AFP

Virgin Australia has announced significant changes to its regional network as the airline transitions to a leaner operation under new owners Bain Capital.

Among the changes brought about by the shift to an all Boeing 737 aircraft fleet, is the withdrawal from seven destinations and eight routes “for the foreseeable future”.

These include Ayers Rock, Albury, Tamworth, Hervey Bay, Port Macquarie, Mildura and Cloncurry.

The affected routes are Sydney-Ayers Rock, Sydney-Albury, Sydney-Tamworth, Sydney-Hervey Bay, Sydney-Port Macquarie, Melbourne-Mildura and Brisbane-Cloncurry and Mount Isa to Cloncurry.

The carrier will also cease flights to Tonga when international services resume.

Brisbane-Port Macquarie, which is currently on hold, would continue to be operated by Alliance under Virgin Australia’s flight code.

A statement from the airline said Virgin remained committed to regional Australia and planned to continue to fly to 20 regional destinations.

“We will continue to review our network as travel restrictions ease and demand returns,” a spokeswoman said.

“We will contact affected guests who booked with us to advise them of their options. Guests who booked with a travel agent will need to contact them directly.”

It’s understood that even before the COVID-19 crisis struck earlier this year, the routes were under review by management due to poor passenger loads.

The shift to a smaller, one-aircraft type fleet had accelerated the changes which would take effect immediately.

Virgin Australia was currently not flying to those destinations as a result of the pandemic and border closures.

The airline’s sale to Bain Capital was confirmed by creditors on Friday, with the transaction to be finalised by the end of October.

Qantas has also indicated it will emerge from the COVID-19 crisis as a leaner operation, with almost 8500 fewer employees.

As yet Qantas has not made any announcements about its domestic network, with the most recent update promoting a range of regional services in October.

The Virgin decision will leave Jetstar as the only major carrier operating into Ayers Rock.