Qantas has confirmed it will close its Canberra base next year, a move that has sparked disappointment among local officials and staff.
However, the airline has pledged to increase QantasLink A220 services to Canberra, aiming to maintain flight reliability despite the closure.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson assured him that Canberra’s engineering crew base will remain and more than 120 staff will continue to be employed in the region. Still, he acknowledged the decision will be tough for the 30 employees affected.
Qantas says the closure is not about cutting costs but is intended to reduce delays and cancellations by consolidating crews in its major hubs—Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan emphasized that the move will strengthen network reliability and that a support package will help Canberra-based staff who wish to stay.
The Transport Workers Union and local politicians have criticized the decision, warning it could lead to more cancellations and impact service quality. Canberra Airport has not commented.
As Qantas adjusts its operations, travellers in the national capital can expect changes but are assured of continued and even expanded flight options.
