Published on 28 July 2022
The removal of Government grants, rising fuel prices and a lack of passenger numbers have forced FlyPelican to suspend flights between Taree and Sydney from this Sunday.
Regional flights, including the Taree to Sydney route, have been subsidised by the Federal Government Regional Airline Network Support program, which provided financial support to airlines maintaining connections with regional locations.
The program was designed to support the aviation industry in the recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This subsidy ceased on 30 June.
“The removal of the subsidy, along with rising fuel prices and declining passenger numbers has resulted in a decision by FlyPelican to suspend flights out of Taree Airport,” Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell explained.
“We are very supportive of FlyPelican, who have provided a reliable service to our community since January 2018, and will continue to work with them into the future in the hope of the service resuming should demand require it.”
A small number of passengers who had pre-booked flights beyond Sunday have been personally contacted by FlyPelican and arrangements have been made for their travel.