Customers in Narrabri holding a valid Vincent Aviation ticket can now purchase relief airfares to fly to Sydney from either Tamworth ($82) or Moree ($96).

QantasLink chief executive officer John Gissing said the airline would do all it could to assist passengers impacted by Vincent Aviation’s decision to ground its fleet.

“It’s regrettable that another regional airline has gone into receivership, however, as the national carrier we will help the community where we can,” he said.

“Effective immediately, discounted relief airfares will be offered to customers who hold a valid Vincent Aviation ticket between Narrabri and Sydney.

“We understand how important access to air transport is to regional Australia, especially for medical and business purposes.”

Qantas also offered discounted relief fares in December last year when Brindabella Airlines went into receivership.Darwin-based Vincent Aviation only commenced flights between Narrabri and Sydney in March and was set to launch a service to Brisbane. 

Narrabri mayor Conrad Bolton said the council was surprised to learn of Vincent Aviation’s decision as passenger numbers had been increasing every month.

“It’s just a shame,” he said. “We’ll do everything we can to get a service back and servicing the Narrabri shire community.

“There are several airlines out there that can provide the service to Narrabri, so it’s a matter of having those discussions with them.”

Transport for NSW is offering customers with a ticket on a Vincent Aviation flight free train travel between Narrabri and Sydney.

Customers are urged to call NSW TrainLink on 132 232 or visit their nearest travel centre to secure a seat at no cost.

Until further notice, trains will depart Narrabri at 9.10am and arrive in Sydney at 4.38pm, and depart Sydney Central at 9.29am and arrive in Narrabri at 4.52pm.