MEDIA RELEASE – Saturday 28 September 2024
QANTAS PLANS A DISGRACE
Qantas plans to slash seven Devonport to Melbourne flights per week by March will hurt tourism and
increase costs for local businesses, said DCCI president, Claire Connelly.
DCCI recently learned of Qantas plans to eliminate seven of its twenty seven weekly flights to and from
Devonport. The new schedule is shown below, with discontinued flights shown in red:
“We have so many concerns about this. Elimination of some of the 0630 flights out of Devonport, means
that when our members travel for work, they will need to fly the day before, losing precious family time
and incurring additional meal and accommodation costs in Melbourne. Similarly, returning Tasmanians and
tourists will no longer be able to fly to Devonport late on Mondays or Sundays.” said Mrs Connelly.
“This impacts all north-west Tasmanians, and we’re being hit on several fronts. In addition to the impact
on local businesses, this will affect locals travelling to Melbourne for leisure or medical treatment, and a
less convenient flight schedule may also deter tourists. That’s without even considering the impact on
connections through to other destinations.” Mrs Connelly said.
It is understood that the reduction in flights is associated with the introduction of larger aircraft.
“Unless larger planes delivers cheaper flights, there is no upside to this. We can only assume there will be
no price reduction, because Qantas hasn’t spoken to our community about this. It’s very disappointing and
Devonport deserves better from the so called ‘national ‘carrier’.” said Mrs Connelly.
Mrs Connelly heard about the change through an industry contact last week and raised her concerns with
Devonport Mayor, Cr Allison Jarman and Senators Richard Colbeck, Anne Urquhart and Tammy Tyrell. The
DCCI appreciates their advocacy on this issue.
The Chamber has written to Qantas CEO, Vanessa Hudson, seeking an opportunity to discuss the matter.
Media Contact: President, Claire Connelly M: 0439 982 880 E: president@dcci.org.au