Arabic version: ريكس تعلّق رحلاتها إلى أورانج وبورت ماكواري

According to ABC News, Regional Express will indefinitely suspend services between Sydney and Orange, and Sydney and Port Macquarie, from October 25, citing high fuel prices and insufficient demand.

Rex said affected customers would be offered refunds or re-bookings. The airline said entrenched high fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, together with lack of demand, meant the routes were not commercially viable. It said it would monitor conditions and consider restoring flights once fuel prices fell to a viable level.

The suspensions come less than a year after US-based air services company Air T bought Rex with federal government backing. The deal included a $60 million support package and a further $108 million to restructure existing Commonwealth debt. Air T committed to increasing aircraft in service, maintaining regional services and increasing frequencies on profitable routes.

Independent MP Andrew Gee called the Orange decision a “real shock”. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Catherine King said the change would “be disappointing for many” and that the government would continue working closely with Rex to understand market challenges and monitor its regional commitments. Other carriers still serve both destinations from Sydney.

Port Macquarie Mayor Adam Roberts said the decision could affect the area’s $700 million annual visitor economy, while Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said council would seek meetings with Qantas and Link Airways to help ensure services were maintained. Rex cut two Tasmanian services and scaled back a Mildura service in May.