Airport fees reduced for Rex Airlines

Eurobodalla Council has agreed to reduce its commercial fees at Moruya Airport for Rex Airlines.

The carrier announced overnight it would dramatically reduce its flight schedule and close some routes altogether.

The airline wrote to partner councils outlining the dire financial crisis facing airlines as a result of the coronavirus, and requesting a 70 percent decrease in airport fees for nine months.

Council’s General Manager Dr Catherine Dale has responded, agreeing to the reduction in light of the essential service Rex provides to the Eurobodalla community.

Dr Dale said the passenger and freight service is vital, providing same day return transport for residents, medical professionals and patients, and business travellers.

Passenger numbers through Moruya Airport plummeted this week, with only two of 34 seats filled in one of yesterday’s flights.

Moruya is not one of the routes slated for closure, but Rex advises weekly services will reduce from 19 to 12 starting next month.

A partnership agreement between the two organisations since 2015 has seen passenger numbers grow by 20 percent, along with revenue to Council.

Dr Dale says the arrangement will be reviewed at the end of five months to see if the situation has improved.