UPDATED: Link Airways on Monday announced a series of updates to its New England and north-western New South Wales network, and will suspend  Sydney flights from Inverell and Narrabri from March 1.

Link cited reduced demand as the reason for the suspension, however will “continue to monitor the market closely and look to return to Sydney when demand recovers”.

Inverell Shire mayor, Kate Dight, has assured residents that council shares the community’s disappointment regarding Link Airways’ decision.

“Access to a regular flight service to Sydney is important to the future prosperity of our Shire,” Cr Dight said.

Link Airways has assured customers booked on affected flights will be contacted and offered a full refund or given an option to rebook alternative services to Brisbane.

Importantly, flights to Brisbane will increase to operate four days a week, ensuring residents still have air travel connectivity.

“While this is unfortunate news for our residents and businesses who rely on this service, we acknowledge this decision is based on the economic viability of the route,” Cr Dight said.

“We encourage the community to continue supporting regional flight services, as demand is a key factor in ensuring their long-term viability.”

Inverell Council said it understands the current flight schedule from Inverell to Sydney has not been

convenient for many travellers, leading some to opt for alternative airports.

Additionally, Link Airways has faced constraints due to limited air slots at Sydney Airport, making it challenging to adjust scheduling to better suit passenger needs.

From the outset, Council has strongly supported Link Airways, including waiving landing fees

to assist in maintaining this service.

Despite the setback, Inverell Council will continue to work closely with Link Airways and any other interested operators to explore viable options for re-establishing commercial passenger flights to Sydney in the future.

The broader challenges faced by regional aviation operators has seen a significant reduction

in services since COVID, council said.

Inverell Shire Council has been in contact with local state member Brendan Moylan and local federal member Barnaby Joyce, seeking assistance in facilitating sustainable services into the future.

“Council remains committed to advocating for improved air services for our shire and will keep the community informed of any developments,” Cr Dight said.

Narrabri Shire Council acting general manager Jason Townsend said Council is disappointed by Link Airways’ announcement.

“Council is disappointed by yesterday’s announcement by Link Airways regarding their decision to suspend their direct service between Narrabri and Sydney,” Mr Townsend said.

“Local air services provide an important and accessible transport link for our community and region, and we are committed to growing the demand for air services out of Narrabri.

“Council will reach out to Link Airways to understand the issues surrounding the decision and investigate possible solutions that will maintain that direct link to Sydney,” he said.

“Council will also seek support from the Federal Government through the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, to maintain and grow the traffic into and out of Narrabri Airport for the region, and the economy.”

More details at Link Northern NSW Network Update