The Flying Kangaroo has eight flights between Australia and Hong Kong that will be impacted. The suspension is due to run until 8am on September 25.
“We have proactively notified affected customers and offered flexibility to rebook and thank them for their understanding,” Qantas said in an official statement.
Customers booked to travel can:
- Rebook their trip fee-free to travel within seven days of their original departure date, or
- Receive a travel credit for future use.
For flights beyond Thursday morning, Qantas will continue to monitor and will contact customers directly should changes need to be made.
Qantas operates daily flights to Hong Kong from both Sydney and Melbourne.
# Meanwhile controversy around a proposal to close three regional QantasLink bases rumbles on with pilots claiming they would be forced to quit the airline if the plan went ahead.
The airline is looking at closing bases in Hobart, Mildura and Canberra and relocating team members to larger bases in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
“If a decision is made to close these bases, there’ll be ongoing work for all of our pilots and cabin crew, and we’re committed to supporting our people through this process,” said Rachel Yangoyan, QantasLink CEO.
However, a survey by three pilot unions (the TWU, the AFAP and the AIPA) of Qantas pilots who’d be affected by the base closures has shown 68% would look for alternative employment if the proposal went ahead, with a further 25% undecided.
“Qantas is still treating its people, as well as the people of Australia, as expendable,” said Michael Kaine, Transport Workers Union National Secretary.
“It is not enough that pilots have already uprooted their entire lives once after the last base closures, now they may have to do so again and make the impossible choice between their career and their loved ones.
“The aviation industry is already in crisis and these base closures would only bring down standards for workers and passengers further.
“It is clear that we still cannot trust aviation executives to act in the interests of its workforce or regional Australia. We need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to return an industry that works for the entire community.”
