The Queensland Government will invest more than $5 million to extend the successful trial of the Mini-Gulf air service for another three years, an investment that will ensure community members can continue to access vitally important aviation services.
The Mini-Gulf trial services have operated since March 2023 with the trial completion on 15 December 2023.
The Queensland Government will recommence the essential air services on Monday 5 February 2024 when passenger demand increases.
Flights will continue to operate each Monday and Friday to help unlock the bottleneck on flights between Cairns and Normanton.
Approximately 3,200 passengers travelled on the Mini-Gulf services by the conclusion of the 10-month trial, providing a very strong increase in patronage on the Gulf route overall.
Regional Express Airlines (REX) operates the Gulf aviation route and Mini-Gulf services.
This initiative aligns to the Queensland Government’s priority of providing a higher level of transport service to regional and remote communities.
As stated by Acting Head of Translink, Peter Milward:
“This new initiative is a fantastic solution as the Mini-Gulf flights provide connections to essential services for people in very remote and low-income communities for whom travel is often for essential purposes.
“The feedback from passengers and key stakeholders including local councils and other State Government agencies has been very positive and encouraging.
“The Mini-Gulf flights typically cater for predominantly indigenous communities and service providers. As the communities have limited resources, enabling air travel to access services such as critical medical treatment in Cairns and Mount Isa is vital.
“It is encouraging to see that a collaborative effort between the State Government and our service provider Regional Express Airlines can bring an improvement to connectivity for our rural and remote communities in Queensland.”
As noted by Regional Express Airline (REX), General Manager, Network Strategy, Warrick Lodge:
“The trial Mini-Gulf service that operated during 2023 has been extremely well received by local communities and regular travellers that rely on this essential regional air service.
“As a result of the successful trial, the Mini-Gulf service will become permanent from 5 February 2024.”
