The cancellation of Bonza’s flights places serious doubt over its future, and is distressing for Mildura families Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

“Affordable air travel to and from Mildura is essential,” Dr Webster said.

“Bonza opened the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast to families by providing an affordable direct route and a cheaper, faster alternative to get to Melbourne. Without Bonza those options are gone,”

Bonza released a statement Tuesday morning suggesting flights would be “temporarily suspended”.

“I certainly hope that Bonza can find a way through this, because Sunraysia gained so much from their services. I wish Bonza all the best,” she said.

“It is important for Mildura people to have equitable access to low cost travel, which Bonza was able to provide.”

Bonza customers stranded in Melbourne due to the cancellations can access flights at no cost through QantasLink if there are seats available on its Melbourne to Mildura route. Customers can contact Qantas on 13 13 13 to book these seats.