The owner and operator of Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports is supporting a move to make air travel more affordable for regional Queenslanders – offering a reduction in airport charges for passengers flying on a Regional Express (Rex) community fare.

From 1 October, residents travelling on a Rex-operated route through Mount Isa and Longreach airports have received a discount in airport charges as part of their community fare. This is also benefiting passengers travelling to and from these ports to Townsville.

Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said Queensland Airports Limited supported efforts by its airline partners to reduce airfares for regional Queenslanders.

“Airport charges make up only a small percentage of each airfare, but we know that every little bit counts towards more affordable airfares for locals,” he said.

“We have a long-term partnership with Rex and have supported the airline’s discounted fares for locals since its first community fare route was introduced in early 2018, between Mount Isa and Cairns.

“We have been calling for reduced airfares in regional Queensland and are pleased to support the expansion of Rex’s program, announced in July this year, to these additional routes. This gives regional Queenslanders access to more affordable airfares.

“We welcome any support our airline partners can provide and encourage them to reduce airfares for the benefit of local passengers and communities.”

The arrangement will continue until the end of Rex’s trial in January 2020.

Residents of Mount Isa, Boulia, Cloncurry and McKinlay flying with Qantas from Mount Isa to Brisbane and Townsville also receive a discount on airport charges as part of their resident fare.

Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports are owned by Queensland Airports Limited, an accomplished airport operator which also owns Gold Coast Airport.

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