While the number of flights will remain the same, the airline will bring back a number of early morning and late evening flight. In their place, the less popular midday flights will be cut.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the 6.30am flight departing Tamworth on Monday and Friday had been reinstated, along with the 5pm Monday and the 7pm Thursday flights departing from Sydney.

“I met with QantasLink CEO John Gissing and I expressed in no uncertain terms that removing these flights was unacceptable,” Mr Anderson told The Leader.

“I didn’t want to see our community disadvantaged by losing those key time slots.

“It really inconvenienced so many people – if you don’t have that early morning flight, you might not get into the city until 10am, and for many half the day is over.”

Mr Anderson said without the early morning and evening flights, businesses and medical specialist would start to take their business elsewhere, while QantasLink would quickly lose patronage with potential passengers choosing to drive instead of fly.

Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer said the airline had listened to the voice of the general public and the business community, who highlighted the need for “same day service”.

“They’ve certainly heard the seriousness of the situation, and addressed it as best they can given their pilot shortage,” Mr Segboer said.

“It was important to everyone that does a lot of business in Tamworth or Sydney, to be able to get in and out on the same day.

“And it’s not just those doing business, but those attending specialist medical appointments in Sydney. Without those flights they face the added cost of accommodation for their appointment.”

A QantasLink spokesperson said the airline had to cut flights across its regional network to reduce the number of cancelled flights, but was happy to be flexible where possible.

“We continue to listen and respond to feedback about our schedule wherever possible, and that includes ensuring we have the right flights at the right times of day and week to support customer demand,” they said.

“We know how important a reliable flight schedule is for our regional travellers.”