Rex has suspended ticket sales on its Hobart to Melbourne route for the indefinite future, along with other jet routes across the mainland, amid reports that the airline is facing financial difficulties.
The move comes as the airline reportedly prepares to ground its Boeing 737 fleet, with sources telling the Australian Financial Review that administrators could be appointed tonight.
Travellers attempting to book flights on the Rex website are being met with a message that reads: “There are no flights available for the date selected. Please select an alternate date.”
The message applies to all flights on the route between Hobart and Melbourne, plus those on the mainland, from Wednesday, 31 July.
What could be the carrier’s last Boeing 737-800 service into Hobart is scheduled to land in the capital 50 minutes late at 2:11pm as RXA961 on Tuesday.
It remains unclear what the potential grounding means for passengers with exisiting bookings on Rex jet services scheduled to operate in the coming weeks.
Tickets for other Rex services operated by smaller aircraft from Melbourne to King Island and Burnie remained available online on Tuesday afternoon.
Sharp Airlines Managing Director Malcolm Sharp took to the King Island Community Noticeboard to say his airline is “ready to step up to the task” should Rex cease to service the island, which is reliant on aviation connections.
“We have excess capacity, crew and aircraft which we can deploy at short notice to fulfil King Island’s needs,” he said.
“Personally I have been flying into King Island for 40 years now and our resolve to support this great community is stronger than ever.”
“If anyone is facing hardship due to the current situation please let our reservations team know and we will do everything we can to support you.”
Rex was unable to be reached for comment.
