UPDATE: Qantas has just announced the closure of its bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura, effective April 2026. This decision comes amid escalating concerns about the aviation industry’s stability, particularly following the voluntary administration of Rex and the collapse of budget airline Bonza.
The airline’s executives faced a Senate inquiry on Friday, where they defended the closures as necessary for financial sustainability. QantasLink’s chief executive, Rachel Yangoyan, revealed that the costs of operating regional flights are a staggering 130% higher than other domestic routes and 230% more than international services, driven by increased airport fees, security, fuel, and maintenance expenses.
“While at times we need to make tough decisions, we are as committed as ever to investing in the future of regional Australia,” Yangoyan stated during the heated inquiry. The impact of these closures extends beyond operational metrics, placing 71 cabin and flight crew members in a precarious position, forcing many to choose between relocation and their current communities.
During the inquiry, Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson highlighted the emotional toll on staff, citing a note from a former pilot detailing the mental health effects of sudden relocations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yangoyan acknowledged these concerns, asserting that Qantas is working diligently to support affected employees.
However, Transport Workers Union organizer Sam Lynch criticized Qantas for prioritizing profit over employee welfare, referencing the recent $90 million Federal Court fine for illegally outsourcing ground staff during the pandemic. “The aviation industry across our country is in crisis,” Lynch proclaimed, emphasizing that regional communities are bearing the brunt of these challenges.
The Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia federal secretary, Teri O’Toole, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Money cannot replace a parent at a dinner table. This closure strips regional Australia of skilled jobs and forces loyal staff to make impossible choices.”
As this inquiry continues, it will further investigate the aviation industry’s ability to serve regional and rural communities, with a report expected by mid-2026. The future of regional aviation hangs in the balance, prompting urgent discussions about the sustainability of services and the welfare of those affected.
Stay tuned for more developments as the situation unfolds.
