Regional Express (Rex) will scrap two Tasmanian routes and trim services on others from next month, pointing the finger at “soaring fuel prices”.
The airline confirmed on Friday it would scrap flights between Melbourne and Devonport and between King Island and Burnie from June 20.
Rex said both routes are already serviced by other airlines.
The carrier will also split its Melbourne to King Island and Melbourne to Burnie services.
Melbourne to Burnie will run 18 direct return flights a week, while King Island will get seven.
Melbourne to Mildura will also drop from 24 to 19 weekly return services from June 22.
“These changes have been driven by the volatility of a challenging operating environment,” Rex said in a statement.
The airline said affected travellers would not be left stranded.
“All passengers impacted by these changes will be supported,” it said.
Rex did not detail what that support would involve.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said Rex’s decision was a blow for Devonport and the broader north-west.
“We recognise the importance of these services for local residents, businesses and visitors,” Vincent said.
“Any loss of air connectivity is felt strongly in regional areas and we understand the concern this decision will create.”
Vincent noted Devonport would still have daily Qantas flights and said the state government would work with carriers to make sure essential transport needs continued to be met.
