Australian Airlines Qantas cancels Adelaide–Mount Gambier route

Australian Airlines Qantas has scaled back operations, cancelling its Adelaide–Mount Gambier route from May 18, calling it economically unviable, amid rising global aviation fuel prices.

The current situation forces airlines to cut routes, increase fares, and revise operational plans, Caliber.Az reports, citing Australian media.

Qantas estimated fuel costs for the second half of the financial year at $3.1–3.3 billion, hundreds of millions higher than previously expected, and has already reduced domestic capacity by about 5%.

Virgin Australia also warned of a roughly 1% capacity reduction in the coming quarter and higher ticket prices.

The airline said fuel accounts for about 21% of its operating costs. In the first half of 2026, Virgin Australia consumed 3.4 million barrels of fuel and expects additional expenses of up to $40 million above forecasts.

Fiji Airways announced a temporary suspension of flights FJ922 and FJ923 between Fiji and Brisbane from April 25, citing sharply higher fuel costs.

Carriers said aviation fuel prices have more than doubled since late February amid supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, putting pressure on the industry and driving up airfares.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov