REGIONAL leaders are renewing calls to strengthen regional aviation, while some Port Macquarie residents are urging airlines to restore direct flights to Australia’s capital cities, arguing the community is missing out on economic and social opportunities.
The renewed debate follows a recent News Of The Area article highlighting a united push to secure the future of regional airports across NSW.
A group of Port Macquarie residents says the loss of Bonza’s Melbourne service in 2024 has left travellers facing longer, more expensive journeys via Sydney, affecting families, tourism and business travel.
The residents argue the region’s growing population, now estimated at around 96,000, together with the loss of regular passenger services from nearby Taree and Kempsey airports, strengthens the case for direct interstate connections.
They also question whether the airport’s upgraded runway, funded through a combination of Federal Government and council investment, is being fully utilised.
The upgrade allows larger aircraft, including Boeing 737 Max 8s, to operate from the airport.
“The absence of direct flights has a tremendous effect on families connecting with their loved ones on a regular basis,” a Port Macquarie residents spokesperson told News Of The Area.
“The cost and inconvenience of having to stop over in Sydney Airport or car hire to bypass the airport is a huge disadvantage.”
A spokesperson from Qantas said the airline currently operates up to 26 weekly Sydney flights and up to five weekly Brisbane services through QantasLink.
“While we’re always looking at opportunities to grow our network, we have no plans to fly to additional destinations from Port Macquarie,” the spokesperson said.
While residents hope direct interstate flights will eventually return, the future of expanded services will ultimately depend on whether airlines see sufficient commercial demand to make new routes viable.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts said Council has continued working behind the scenes to attract additional services.
“Since November 2024, Port Macquarie Hastings Council has been in discussions with a number of airlines regarding the expansion of services at Port Macquarie Airport,” Cr Roberts said.
He said Council strongly supports the return of direct Melbourne flights, noting the previous service carried more than 30,000 passengers.
Council is also preparing a market demand analysis and has applied for NSW Government “Take Off” funding to help offer commercial incentives to airlines.
However, Cr Roberts said that “the final decision rests with airlines and depends on commercial considerations including profitability, aircraft availability and passenger demand”.
The resident’s spokesperson said: “If we could send one message directly to Qantas airline executives – it would be to implore them to give Port Macquarie a go,” they said.
“Many residents have relocated from other capital cities, for various reasons, and have had to leave behind family and friends.
“It would be reciprocal as they would love to come to see us more often, as well.”
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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