The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed the opening of Federal Government funding applications for regional and remote airports impacted by the voluntary administration of Rex Airlines.
The $5 million funding helps regional and remote airports that are unsecured creditors of Rex, with individual airports owed between $45,000 and $650,000.
“Regional Australians know the Albanese Labor Government has their back, which is why we worked hard to support regional communities through the voluntary administration process,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“Rex plays an essential role in connecting regional Australian communities and this will ensure those services can continue.
“I encourage councils and airports affected to apply for this support program ensuring the maintenance of critical aviation links across our country.”
AAA CEO Simon Westaway said it has been a long and anxious wait for many regional airport operators and local governments since the financial collapse of Rex in mid-2024.
“These funding applications are an important step for regional and remote airports that carried financial risk to help keep essential air services operating during a highly uncertain period,” Westaway said.
“Many of these airports are council-owned and already operate at a loss, while managing ageing infrastructure, rising federally mandated security and regulatory requirements, workforce shortages and staffing pressures.
“Throughout Rex’s administration, airports continued to provide critical infrastructure and services, carrying unpaid charges to keep essential air links operating.
“This announcement follows strong advocacy by the AAA to ensure regional and remote airports affected by the Rex administration were not left behind, and we thank Minister Catherine King for her ongoing engagement on this issue.
“Many of the challenges facing regional airports are now being considered through the Productivity Commission’s review of regional airfares, and the AAA looks forward to contributing to that process.
“I encourage eligible regional and remote airports owed money by Rex Airlines to apply through the Federal Government process as soon as possible.”
Applications for the new program are open now and will close on 17 March 2026.
Rex restructure
The program follows the conclusion of the successful purchase of Rex (Regional Express Airlines) by Air T, with the government providing a new commercial loan of $60 million and the restructuring of $108 million in existing debt.
Air T has agreed to a range of commitments aimed at preserving essential regional aviation connectivity, including returning more aircraft to service and increasing the frequency of profitable flights across the Rex network.
Airports affected
New South Wales
Albury Airport (serving Albury/Wodonga) — Rex was a key operator and cuts affect connectivity.
Coffs Harbour Airport — one of the regional cities served by Rex.
Dubbo City Regional Airport — served by Rex prior to administration.
Griffith Airport — historically served by Rex.
Orange Airport — Rex services here were important.
Wagga Wagga Airport — a Rex operational base and network hub.
(Also regions such as Narrandera and Parkes where Rex previously operated routes).
South Australia
Whyalla Airport — Rex stopped services there, leaving the airport with financial pressures and higher costs for travellers.
Ceduna and other smaller South Australian centres previously reliant on Rex’s regional flights are noted as vulnerable.
