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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.
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