Moree flights resecured for five years

Moree Plains Shire Council has welcomed QantasLink‘s success in resecuring the air services licence for the Moree to Sydney route for another five years until March 2030.

The Moree to Sydney route is one of only two regulated routes in NSW, with Transport for NSW managing the licensing process.

Moree Plains mayor Cr Susannah Pearse shared her delight at the state government’s announcement.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our community. We know how important the regular route to Sydney is and are delighted to welcome QantasLink back to the Moree Regional Airport for the next five years,” Cr Pearse said.

“Moree’s airport services the entire region, and this commitment from QantasLink supports our connectivity to the rest of Australia and the world, as well as economic, social and wellbeing outcomes for our residents and those in surrounding shires.

“We would like to thank both QantasLink and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for their dedication throughout this important licensing process. We would also particularly like to thank Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, The Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, who has recently visited Moree and Mungindi and taken a strong interest in the region.”

QantasLink chief executive officer Rachel Yangoyan said the airline has been flying to Moree since 1993.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to provide these services for another five years. As part of our investment in our regional turboprop fleet, from mid-December, all QantasLink Moree flights will be operated solely by our larger Q400 aircraft which offer more seats, a faster flight time and will improve reliability,” Ms Yangoyan said.

Moree Plains Shire Council has also been undertaking parking apron expansion and improvement works at Moree Regional Airport to ensure the airport has the capability to safely accommodate two Q400 aircraft at any one time. The route will be solely operated by the larger aircraft by mid-December for both morning and evening flights.

Moree Plains Shire Council will also begin airport master planning in 2025 to plan for future development and air service opportunities for the Moree Plains region.