Only cafe at Tamworth airport 'The Pantry' expected to reopen in April after closing months ago due to COVID-19

The airport - almost 10km out of town - is welcoming more passengers, new flight routes and an extra service, but some have been left craving more after 'The Pantry' closed indefinitely back in January.

A Tamworth Regional Council spokeswoman confirmed to the Leader the company who leases the cafe space asked permission to shut up shop as COVID-19 case numbers soared and flights were left grounded.

The pandemic has been brutal to hospitality businesses and travel.

Fresh concerns were raised on the weekend when a morning Qantas flight was reportedly cancelled and passengers were left hanging around at the airport.

READ ALSO:

The council spokeswoman said in an event like a cancelled or delayed trip, the responsibility of accommodating passengers falls to the airline involved.

"The airport does, however, provide vending machine access with food and drink options for purchase including water," she told the Leader.

The spokeswoman said airport staff had been in touch regularly with the cafe operator since it closed. It is expected to get back off the ground again from April.

Council's count shows the number of passengers passing through the airport have been increasing.

"The announcements from both Bonza and Link Airways of additional services to and from the Tamworth region over the past fortnight highlight the positive outlook for both airlines and airports across the country," the spokeswoman said.

'The Pantry' operator was contacted for comment.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: