Jobs gone as major airlines depart Wellcamp

THERE will be few passenger flights out of Wellcamp Airport while COVID-19 remains a threat.

A "SIGNIFICANT" number of Qantas casual staff were let go at Wellcamp Airport after the company's decision to cut most of its services.

They are part of the 20,000 Australian employees stood down as the national carrier goes into hibernation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qantas announced earlier that it would ground its international fleet.

Airnorth will suspend its Wellcamp services from March 28 until June 28.

Customers will get credit for cancelled bookings.

Wellcamp general manager Robert Kasch said these were uncertain times from the passenger airline sector.

"Most providers will follow Qantas' lead - they will reduce services until June and do a relaunch," he said.

"They want some relief - they looked at the market and realised no one will travel for two months."

COVID-19 had a significant impact on the global aviation industry, including Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, with a significant drop in passenger numbers on all routes in and out of the airport.

Qantas stopped all flights from Sydney to Wellcamp, starting on March 29.

Meanwhile, there was increased demand for airfreight, and an airport spokesman said it would continue supporting customers and the region in the timely movement of essential goods and other general aviation activities.

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy will continue.

"We are reviewing staffing levels during this time and will ensure that we will adequately staff the airport to match the current environment," he said