Safety note: Admin approval is an initial review, not a guarantee that every detail is correct. Check important or urgent claims with official sources and report anything inaccurate or unsafe.
Source and credit: Contributor's own report
Qantas to meet Alice Springs Council over cancelled Melbourne flight route - Alice Springs, NT
Smart summary
Qantas representatives are set to meet Alice Springs Council after the airline announced plans to end direct flights between Alice Springs and Melbourne later in 2026.
The future of direct air travel between Alice Springs and Melbourne is being discussed after Qantas announced it will stop operating the route later this year.
The airline’s decision has raised concerns among local leaders and residents who rely on the service for business, tourism, medical travel and personal connections. Qantas said the decision was based on passenger demand and route performance.
Alice Springs Council has requested further discussions with the airline, with Qantas representatives expected to meet council members to discuss the impact of the change and possible options for the future.
Mayor Asta Hill said the council has raised concerns about the loss of direct connectivity and the effect it could have on the Central Australian community. The council is seeking more information from Qantas and exploring whether the route can be reconsidered.
The Melbourne–Alice Springs connection is important for many residents, including those travelling for specialist healthcare, education, government services and tourism. Alice Springs is a major regional hub for Central Australia, serving remote communities across the Northern Territory.
Tourism operators have also highlighted the importance of reliable transport links for visitors travelling to experience attractions such as the West Mac Donnell Ranges, desert landscapes and Indigenous cultural experiences.
Qantas has indicated that it regularly reviews routes based on demand and operational factors. While the airline’s current decision remains in place, discussions with the council may provide further opportunities to examine the situation.
The final direct Melbourne flights are expected to operate in November 2026 unless changes are announced.
CouncilQantasAliceSpringsMelbourne
The future of direct air travel between Alice Springs and Melbourne is being discussed after Qantas announced it will stop operating the route later this year.
The airline’s decision has raised concerns among local leaders and residents who rely on the service for business, tourism, medical travel and personal connections. Qantas said the decision was based on passenger demand and route performance.
Alice Springs Council has requested further discussions with the airline, with Qantas representatives expected to meet council members to discuss the impact of the change and possible options for the future.
Mayor Asta Hill said the council has raised concerns about the loss of direct connectivity and the effect it could have on the Central Australian community. The council is seeking more information from Qantas and exploring whether the route can be reconsidered.
The Melbourne–Alice Springs connection is important for many residents, including those travelling for specialist healthcare, education, government services and tourism. Alice Springs is a major regional hub for Central Australia, serving remote communities across the Northern Territory.
Tourism operators have also highlighted the importance of reliable transport links for visitors travelling to experience attractions such as the West Mac Donnell Ranges, desert landscapes and Indigenous cultural experiences.
Qantas has indicated that it regularly reviews routes based on demand and operational factors. While the airline’s current decision remains in place, discussions with the council may provide further opportunities to examine the situation.
The final direct Melbourne flights are expected to operate in November 2026 unless changes are announced.
Protected industrial action by ferry workers has continued to disrupt City Cat services across Brisbane, with commuters advised to use alternative public...
Sydney’s Mitchell Road at Erskineville remains closed after a construction site incident caused ground movement and cracks in the roadway, with safety a...
Ferry services across Brisbane were disrupted today after protected industrial action by ferry workers affected morning peak-hour travel, prompting comm...
Thousands of Brisbane commuters are facing travel disruptions today after City Cat and ferry services were temporarily suspended during peak morning hour...
New Public Safety Officers are increasing high-visibility patrols across Alice Springs as part of a Northern Territory Government initiative aimed at im...
New Public Safety Officers have started high-visibility patrols in Alice Springs as part of a Northern Territory Government operation focused on improvi...
A large international cabaret production, Loca Vida, has premiered at the 2026 Darwin Festival, bringing performers from Australia and overseas together...
Armidale’s growing refugee and multicultural communities are becoming an important part of the city’s social fabric, with local residents highlighting s...
Armidale Regional Council has completed the first detailed flood study for the Guyra area, providing new information to help residents and emergency ser...
Armidale Regional Council has completed a major flood study for Guyra, providing new information to help residents, emergency services and planners bett...
