QantasLink has announced plans to close its staff bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura next year.

This decision is part of a restructuring effort to enhance operational efficiency. However, it hasn’t been popular with unions, passengers or local business leaders that rely on the air service to provide essential connectivity across the continent’s vast landmass.

Transport Minister Catherine King has been quoted urging the airline to “reconsider their proposal”.

“It’s not enough for Australia’s airlines to just fly in and out of regional communities, they should be a strong community partner and a reliable employer as well,” she said.

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The Transport Workers Union which represents Qantas employees also slammed the move.

“This is a decision that will have life-changing effects on pilots and cabin crew who were told their jobs in these bases were safe, and who made significant decisions on that assurance,” she said.

“These crew are now in a position of having to choose between family and career because Qantas continues to put exorbitant profits over people.”

For it’s part, the airline has said that the closure of the bases will not in itself flying into Canberra, Hobart or Mildura.

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said: “We have dozens of new aircraft joining the QantasLink fleet in the coming years and this decision will help us provide customers with opportunities to fly to more destinations and benefit from more frequencies across our regional network,”

“We know the decision will be disappointing to our pilots and cabin crew in these bases and we are putting in place a comprehensive package to support them continuing to maintain their family and life in their home city,” she added. “This will include support for things like flights and accommodation so they can commute to work.”

Approximately 70 pilots and cabin crew members will be affected.