{
  "id": 6745375,
  "title": "Bush battlers beg airlines for budget flights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/bush-battlers-beg-airlines-for-budget-flights",
  "topic": null,
  "section": null,
  "published": "2026-09-11T08:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://crookwellgazette.com.au/story/9348568/bush-battlers-beg-airlines-for-budget-flights"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bush communities are pleading for more budget airfares, despite regional airline Rex warning it is struggling due to intense competition in small markets. Isolated and aging populations are suffering due to high ticket costs, according to Madeleine Lawler, chief executive of Regional Development Australia in the Mid North Coast of NSW. During a recent public hearing on Australia's regional aviation sector, Dr Lawler highlighted that flights from Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie cost around 71 cents per kilometre, whereas flights from Ballina, where budget flights are available on Jetstar, average only 12 cents per kilometre. She recalled getting affordable fares from Bonza and Tiger Air in the past, making it easier to travel around. Lawler emphasized that the lack of lower price points is slicing demand in their economies, negatively impacting tourism. Rex, however, has been forced to either charge passengers more to cover costs or cancel services due to half-empty planes. In July 2024, Rex entered voluntary administration and was bailed out with a $40 million taxpayer-funded package before being acquired by American company Air T in December 2025. Despite this, Rex had to discontinue its Melbourne to Albury route, as it provided 40,000 seats a year to a market with only 22,000 passengers, after Qantas added another 31,000. Rex redirected services to the Melbourne to Devonport service, which it subsequently stopped in June. Some Rex routes barely covered operating costs, while others had to contribute to overheads. The airline has deals with the Queensland and WA governments to subsidize operations. The Royal Flying Doctor Service highlighted the critical role of regional airlines in their operations, as adequate air travel supports early intervention and prevents patients from needing emergency treatment.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}