low-cost carrier Bonza Airline has left hundreds of passengers stranded across Australia after suddenly cancelling all flights, as reported by the BBC. The affected passengers, expecting to fly from airports in Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Avalon, were left in dismay as they found their flights cancelled on Tuesday morning.
Bonza’s chief executive, Tim Jordan, acknowledged the situation and confirmed that the airline has temporarily suspended its services. This decision comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the airline’s viability and future prospects. “We apologize to our customers who are impacted by this and we’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market,” Jordan stated.
Hall Chadwick, the appointed administrator, announced that the entire Bonza fleet would remain grounded until at least Thursday. This grounding is part of the considerations being made by key stakeholders regarding the airline’s ability to continue operations during the administration process. Passengers with bookings up until Friday morning have been advised not to travel to the airport.
Bonza, launched in 2023, operated domestic flights across eastern Australia but faced challenges such as aircraft shortages and low patronage since its inception. Catherine King, Australia’s transportation minister, emphasized the importance of keeping passengers informed and respecting their rights. “Our focus right at the moment is to assist Australian passengers who are stranded at the end of school holidays,” Ms. King commented.
The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia has also voiced concerns over the sudden closure, seeking an urgent meeting with Bonza’s leadership to discuss the impact on workers. “Bonza must ensure staff are prioritized and informed as this process plays out,” stated Michael Kaine, the national secretary of the union.
In response to the situation, the Australian federal government has established a hotline for affected passengers, while major airlines like Qantas Group and Virgin Australia have offered assistance to mitigate the disruptions caused by Bonza’s flight cancellations.