Rex Airlines update

Image: A Regional Express aircraft at Dubbo City Airport.

Regional Cities New South Wales is continuing to monitor developments after Rex Airlines entered voluntary administration.

RCNSW has called for the Federal Government to protect regional communities by acting to save the airline’s regional routes.

Affordable, reliable regional air services that connect regional communities to the major capitals and to one another is fundamental to the future of regional cities. Regional aviation supports access to healthcare and education, and is an important component of the agricultural, mining and tourism sectors.

Rex Airlines services eight regional cities in NSW, namely Albury, Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Griffith, Orange, Wagga Wagga, and the Tweed (through the Gold Coast).

The loss of Rex services not only cuts the number of flights available, but also reduces competition. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, domestic airfares had increased by an average of 13% after Rex stopped flying between major cities in July.

To date, Rex’s regional services flights are still operating as scheduled and are covered by a Federal Government regional flight booking guarantee.

The Federal Court has approved an extension of the voluntary administration period to 30 June 2025 and the Federal Government has committed to providing up to $80 million in financing to keep Rex’s regional air routes running until that date. 

The first independent audit report into the domestic slot system at Sydney Airport has been released. 

Transport Minister Catherine King said the report underscored the need for the passage of the Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment bill. 

The legislation would introduce stronger compliance and stricter penalties to crack down on slot misuse. For more details, click here.

RCNSW will continue to make the case to the Federal Government to recognise the vulnerability of regional aviation and reduce the burden on local government of costs such as airport security.

To read our position paper on Connectivity - Airports, click here.