The federal government has delivered financial relief to 34 regional and remote airports affected by the voluntary administration of Rex Airlines, with payments totalling $4.8 million distributed through the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program.
The payments, announced by Infrastructure Minister Catherine King on Sunday, cover debts linked to Rex's financial collapse. Of airports that applied, 95 per cent were assessed as eligible and received payments covering 100 per cent of their eligible debt.
NSW airports received the largest share of funding, with Dubbo ($598,672), Coffs Harbour ($222,177) and Wagga Wagga ($187,885) among the biggest recipients. In Queensland, Roma ($241,306), Cairns ($253,508) and Mornington Island ($158,713) received significant payments, while Western Australian airports at Albany ($414,605), Esperance ($395,632) and Carnarvon ($355,188) were among the highest funded nationally.
King said the payments demonstrated the government's ongoing commitment to regional aviation connectivity.
"We support regional aviation through word and deed, because we understand the essential nature of aviation to communities all over Australia," she said.
Regional Aviation Association of Australia CEO Rob Walker welcomed the announcement but signalled the broader challenges facing the sector remain.
"The RAAA welcomes the announcement by the government of payments totalling $4.8 million via the Regional and Remote Airport Support Program to the regional airports impacted by the financial issues of Rex Airlines," Walker said.
"The RAAA hopes that this financial relief will assist regional airports maintain their aviation services for regional airlines, ongoing operations and also keep their fees and landing charges down."
Walker said the sector continued to face difficult conditions. "Regional aviation continues to be challenging for all operators. Margins are razor thin. The RAAA will continue to advocate with government to support and assist all regional airlines who provide vital services to the people of regional and remote Australia."
The payments are the latest in a series of government measures supporting regional aviation, following commercial loans, debt restructuring assistance and funding through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program and Regional Airports Program.