Rex to suspend Sydney flights to Orange and Port Macquarie

Regional Express will indefinitely suspend services linking Sydney with Orange and Port Macquarie from October 25, citing high aviation fuel prices and insufficient demand; affected passengers are being offered refunds or rebooking.

Regional aircraft pictured in ABC News report on Rex route cuts
A twin-propeller passenger aircraft sits on a regional airport tarmac at sunset; ABC News used the image in its report about Rex suspending the Orange and Port Macquarie routes.

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Regional Express said it will stop flights linking Sydney with Orange in central-west New South Wales and Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast from October 25. The suspension is indefinite, with no restart date announced.

The company cited persistently high aviation fuel prices associated with the ongoing Middle East conflict, combined with insufficient passenger demand, as making the routes commercially unviable.

Rex said affected customers would be contacted and offered refunds or rebooking on alternative Rex services. The airline said it would reassess the routes if fuel costs fall enough to restore viability.

Local representatives warned that reduced direct competition could affect residents, visitors and the regional visitor economy. Both destinations remain connected to Sydney by other carriers, though travel options may narrow.

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Route cuts affect access and competition for two New South Wales communities; ABC and national travel outlets covered the announcement.