Tigerair Cancels Sydney Services

Tigerair Australia has today announced it will cancel services between Sydney – Whitsunday Coast from
early 2020. Direct flights to Sydney will continue to be available through Jetstar.
Whitsunday Coast Airport General Manager Airports and Commercial Infrastructure, Brian Joiner, said it
was one of several airports affected by the nation-wide reduction in flight routes as a result of the Virgin
Group’s review of its operations. This follows a reported $349M loss last year and an announcement of a
reduction of 750 jobs.
Tigerair will be returning aircraft to lessors as part of the cost saving measures and this means some routes
will be cut.
“While we are disappointed with the decision made by Tigerair today, it is important to remember this not a
reflection on the Whitsunday Region.
“Virgin Australia has reconfirmed its regular weekly flight schedule in and out of the Whitsundays and we
will continue to work together on opportunities for potential expansion of services in the future.”
Mayor Andrew Willcox said the Tourism Award winning Whitsunday Coast Airport remains one of the
fastest growing regional airports in Australia.
“In September we welcomed just under 40,000 passengers through the airport, and passenger numbers
have been growing in 2019.
“We are catering for further growth with a recent runway upgrade and terminal expansion ensuring visitors
to our region enjoy a positive experience when transiting.”
Tigerair continues to operate through the busy Christmas and Chinese New Year period. Customers
booked to travel on the cancelled Tigerair services from February 2020 onwards will be notified by the
airline and will be reallocated onto other same day services where possible.

Source: Whitsunday Regional Council.