The domestic airline industry has been brought to a standstill by the Delta outbreak and resulting restrictions across Australia, a new report says.
Passenger numbers in July 2021 plunged to 23 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, after recovering to a peak of 68 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in April 2021.
The figures are part of a Australian Competition and Consumer Commission study into domestic aviation released today.
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It also warns passenger numbers for August and September 2021 are expected to be even lower as the Delta outbreak in New South Wales and Victoria continues.
"The Delta outbreak has hit the domestic airline industry hard, and it has unfortunately halted the airlines' recovery just as they were starting to approach pre-pandemic levels of flying," ACCC chair Rod Sims said.
Airlines Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Rex combined were forced to cancel one-in-three flights in July 2021, the highest cancellation rate since April 2020.
Weekly passenger numbers in Victoria fell 91 per cent from mid May to early June, and in NSW they dropped 97 per cent between mid-June and the end of July.
Sydney Airport — normally Australia's busiest — has been hit especially hard.
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"July was the first time that Sydney hasn't been among the 10 busiest routes in the country, which is a sign of the state of the industry," Mr Simms said.
Intrastate Queensland routes were the busiest, with Brisbane to Cairns, Townsville and Mackay among the most popular.
The cancellation of flights forced Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Rex to implement temporary stand-downs until flying can resume.
Thousands of aviation workers have been stood down because of the slump in domestic flights.
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The Federal Government announced new support through the Retaining Domestic Airline Capability program, which gives eligible airlines $750 per week for frontline employees that are otherwise unable to access COVID-19 disaster payments.
Additionally, the government extended a number of existing aviation support programs until the end of the year.
