QantasLink drop MEL-ABX and MEL-WGA from March

[moa999]

Not surprising given the reported load factors (sub 50%)

Qantas to scrap Wagga and Albury flights to Melbourne | Region Riverina

Qantas has announced it will be stopping all its flights from Wagga to Melbourne and from Albury to Melbourne, effective…

regionriverina.com.au

These were routes that Qantas took from/ challenged Rex on. Indeed think @jb747 mostly used Rex to start his trips over the years.

But suspect this decision can be squarely put as an unintended consequence of the Vic government subsidies on Victorian Rail.

Basically you can travel Melbourne to anywhere in Vic (including Albury) for under $10 (half that for concession). And maybe an extra $20 onto Wagga on a NSW train or bus.

 

[Saab34]

Basically you can travel Melbourne to anywhere in Vic (including Albury) for under $10 (half that for concession). And maybe an extra $20 onto Wagga on a NSW train or bus.

Especially when travelling as a family or party. QF at $400-$500 return, you can’t justify that when you can train it for next to nothing, plus have access to more frequencies, and it’s only 3 hours.

 

[dajop]

To be a little cynical they achieved what they wanted. No need for them any more.

ABX-MEL, as pointed out is not a good route for leisure travellers and not good times for business travellers. IIRC Rex used to fly at least daily (if not 2x) during weekdays at more business friendly times. 3x week not really useful for business travellers.