Qantas has moved swiftly to plug the gap left by Bonza. The airline offers free flights on routes it shares with Bonza or on a “close alternative route”. This includes six routes operated by Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar: Melbourne to Gold Coast, Melbourne to Sunshine Coast, Avalon to Gold Coast, Gold Coast to Cairns, Melbourne to Mildura, and Melbourne to Alice Springs.

Travellers booked on a cancelled Bonza flight will be able to fly on one of these routes at no cost, depending on seat availability. Additionally, Bonza customers will be offered alternative travel arrangements close to their origin or arrival airports. For example, Brisbane Airport is an alternative to Gold Coast, and Melbourne is an alternative to Avalon. Affected passengers can contact Qantas or Jetstar to arrange travel.

Virgin Australia is also helping by offering complimentary travel to affected passengers on two shared routes: Melbourne to Gold Coast and Melbourne to Sunshine Coast. Like Qantas, Virgin Australia also offers travel to and from nearby airports.

These goodwill gestures come at a crucial time, providing much-needed relief to Bonza passengers left in the lurch. As discussions continue to try to save the beleaguered low-cost carrier, Qantas and Virgin Australia’s actions serve as a reminder of the resilience and unity within the aviation industry.