Qantas will withdraw its services to Nhulunbuy in eastern Arnhem Land from August 17 due to “decreased travel demand” following mining giant Rio Tinto’s decision to close its Alcan refinery at Gove.
QantasLink chief executive John Gissing told the NT News that: “The decision was not taken lightly, but after a thorough review of the route, it was found to not be viable to continue operating. This coincides with the closure of the Rio Tinto aluminium refinery.”
Local carrier Airnorth has stepped in the breach by saying it will commence a daily Darwin-Nhulunbuy-Cairns service using 76-seat Embraer E-170s from August 18.
