Qantas Suspends Adelaide-Mount Gambier Route, Cuts Domestic Capacity

The airline has cited low demand and rising fuel costs for its decision to suspend the route indefinitely, along with four other unspecified domestic services, from May 18.

On Tuesday, Qantas announced significant operational changes, including the indefinite suspension of its flights between Adelaide and Mount Gambier and a 5% reduction in overall domestic flight capacity.

Announced Changes

• All flights between Adelaide and Mount Gambier in South Australia will cease from May 18.
• Four other, unspecified domestic routes will also be suspended from the same date.
• Overall domestic flight capacity will be reduced by 5%.

Reasons Cited by Qantas

The airline provided several factors for the decision, particularly regarding the Adelaide-Mount Gambier route.

Increasing fuel costs are a significant factor, with Qantas's overall fuel bill projected to rise by approximately $800 million. The airline also reported that some flights on the Adelaide-Mount Gambier route were operating at less than 20% capacity. Qantas stated it had attempted to boost demand by adjusting flight schedules and offering sales prior to the suspension decision.

Route and Operational Details

The Adelaide-Mount Gambier route currently operates four days per week: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

• On weekdays, flights depart Adelaide around 10:30 AM and return from Mount Gambier just after midday.
• On Sundays, flights depart Adelaide around 3:00 PM and return from Mount Gambier at 4:20 PM.

Mount Gambier Regional Airport serves South Australia's second-largest city and the wider Limestone Coast region.

Statements and Responses

From Qantas:
The airline confirmed that the announced flight reductions do not affect Qantas-employed jobs. Qantas also stated it had discussed the status of the Adelaide-Mount Gambier route with state and federal politicians in the month leading up to the announcement.

From the Transport Workers' Union (TWU):
TWU national assistant secretary Emily McMillan stated that union members working in aviation learned of the route cancellations through media reports at the same time as the public. McMillan expressed concern about the uncertain futures of airport-based staff, who are often employed as contractors. She noted a pattern of regional route closures and called for better regulation of airlines to ensure services to regional areas.

From Local Government:
Kylie Boston, Mayor of the District Council of Grant, said the current flight times did not align with local business needs. Mayor Boston stated the community required morning departures and same-day evening returns for better connectivity to Adelaide or Melbourne.