Melbourne flights to Tamworth, grounded on Friday amid a haze of bureaucratic confusion, are set to restart next week, according to Fly Corporate.
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The regional airline cancelled its scheduled Friday flight until the carrier could get clarification whether essential workers were exempted from rules requiring all people entering NSW to fly into Sydney airport.
Fly Corporate manager Jeff Boyd said a Commonwealth notice to airman (NOTAM) issued on Friday had clarified the rules.
"That clears the way for us," he said.
"Providing they meet the appropriate bill and have the appropriate permit, then we can carry them."
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The regional airline has been subsidised by the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 crisis to carry essential workers, like doctors, around the country including on a 'milk-run' route from the Victorian capital to Orange, Dubbo and then Tamworth.
Earlier on Friday, Mr Boyd said the airline was "very frustrated" and didn't have clarification about the rules for interstate flying, forcing it to ground flights that day.
But Mr Boyd said nobody had bought any tickets for the flight anyway.
A lack of demand may also ground future flights because exemptions are tight, he said.
But the NOTAM makes clear people are entitled to come directly to a regional community to perform an essential duty.
"If someone's coming up there to be carer for someone then they can do that, they're legally allowed to do that," he said.
"Apply for a permit to travel to Orange to care for someone, that's not an issue, they don't have to go to Sydney before they can provide that care in Orange."
In a statement sent to the Leader after deadline on Thursday a NSW government spokesperson said they had directed that "everyone" entering NSW from Victoria - excluding border communities - must fly into Sydney airport. Driving is banned.
Asked if that applied to essential workers like doctors and nurses, the spokesperson didn't give any exceptions.
"We understand these restrictions, which are designed to protect the health of millions of NSW residents and the broader economy, will be difficult for airlines," they said.
The Commonwealth NOTAM is also on State Government websites.
Residents are not allowed to fly directly without a permit and face hefty fines. All flights will be met by police and NSW Department of Health staff.
Asked if the confusion about flights reflected a state government making policy on the run, Mr Boyd said he didn't want to blame anyone.
The next Tamworth-bound flight is scheduled for Tuesday.