Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Alison Penfold has expressed deep disappointment at Rex Airlines' decision to suspend its Sydney-Port Macquarie service from October 25, warning the loss of another regional airline leaves Mid North Coast passengers with fewer choices and potentially higher airfares.
Ms Penfold said the region first lost Virgin Australia from Port Macquarie, then FlyPelican from Taree, and now Rex.
She said it was incredibly disappointing to see another regional air service disappear.
"Regional communities depend on reliable and affordable air travel," Ms Penfold said.
"Whether it is for business, medical appointments, family commitments or tourism, air connections are an essential service, not a luxury.
"While Newcastle Airport offers alternative domestic connections, it does not offer regular direct passenger flights to Sydney, where many Mid North Coast residents need to travel for specialist medical appointments, hospital treatment, and other essential services.
"For older residents, people undergoing medical treatment and those who cannot comfortably make the long drive to Sydney, maintaining affordable direct air connections is particularly important."
Rex has attributed its decision to sustained high aviation fuel prices resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, combined with insufficient passenger demand to make the route commercially viable.
The airline has described the suspension as temporary and indicated it would consider resuming flights when fuel prices returned to commercially sustainable levels.
Ms Penfold said she recognised the enormous pressures confronting regional airlines, particularly with soaring fuel prices affecting aviation operators around the world.
"Rex has a long history of serving regional Australia, and I welcome its commitment to reconsidering the suspension when conditions improve," she said.
"I sincerely hope we see Rex return to Port Macquarie sooner rather than later."
Ms Penfold said the decision would leave QantasLink as the sole operator of regular passenger flights between Port Macquarie and Sydney, raising serious concerns about competition and affordability.
"I have written to QantasLink to thank the airline for its ongoing commitment to the Mid North Coast, but also to seek an assurance that it will not take advantage of its position by increasing fares simply because passengers no longer have an alternative.
"Regional Australians already pay a premium for so many essential services, they should not be penalised further simply because of where they live."
Ms Penfold said the latest withdrawal highlighted the vulnerability of regional aviation and the importance of maintaining competition and connectivity outside the capital cities.
"Every time we lose another regional service, our communities become a little more isolated and our local economy loses another opportunity," she said.
"Regional Australians deserve the same access to essential services as people living in our capital cities."
Rex has also announced the suspension of services between Sydney and Orange from October 25.
