Air Link Welcomes 12-Month Extension of Western NSW Air Services Subsidy
Why It MattersThe extension underscores how thin regional air routes in remote Australia remain reliant on government subsidy rather than commercial viability.
Australian regional carrier Air Link has welcomed a 12-month extension of government funding for subsidised air services connecting Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge in far western New South Wales, announced by NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty. Air Link currently operates eight return services per week across the three towns under the subsidised program.
Air Link Executive Director Matthew Kline said the flights were a lifeline for the communities served, providing a fast and reliable connection to Dubbo where healthcare, business and other services are located, and noted the enormous distances involved in western NSW. A recent passenger survey found travellers save an average of seven hours on a one-way trip compared with driving, and 94 per cent of respondents considered the air services critical.
Executive Director Mark Wardrop said the services remain commercially unsustainable without continued government support, welcoming the Minns Government's decision to extend the subsidy for another year and its commitment to work with the region on a longer-term solution beyond November 2027. Air Link also credited Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP for advocating to Minister Moriarty for continued funding.
Air Link operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, including Piper Chieftains, and was established in Dubbo in 1974. The airline said it will continue working with the NSW Government, local councils and communities on a long-term solution for regional air services beyond 2027.
