Qantas Aircraft Grounding Leaves Central Queensland Largely Unaffected

In an unprecedented move, Qantas has grounded its entire domestic and international fleet of aircraft, and will lock out all staff involved in its industrial dispute from late on Monday 30 October. The move comes in the middle of a bitter dispute between Qantas management and staff, and has left thousands of passengers in Australia and around the world stranded.

Fortunately, travellers to and from all Central Queensland airports - Hamilton Island, Mackay, Whitsunday Coast / Proserpine, Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Moranbah, Gladstone, Biloela / Thangool - will not be affected directly, as QantasLink and Jetstar flights remain largely unchanged.


Qantas has advised its customers not advised to travel to the airport unless they are booked on a QantasLink, or Jetstar, or on certain Australia-New Zealand routes operated by JetConnect.

From the Qantas website: "Qantas is providing a full refund for any flights cancelled due to industrial action. You can cancel your flight with Qantas or rebook for a later date. Customers who purchase a new ticket with an alternative carrier, Qantas will reimburse the difference between the cost of the new ticket (in same cabin of travel) and the value of the refunded Qantas ticket. Qantas is also providing accommodation, meals and transfers for customers who are away from home. You can lodge your claim online."