The ongoing closure of Armidale Airport has left passengers frustrated and nervous, as further issues with the runway continue to disrupt flights.
Scheduled to reopen last Saturday, the airport remains now closed until at least Friday after inspections revealed additional cracks and soft areas on the tarmac.
Armidale Regional Council had initially announced via Facebook that flights would resume on Saturday, then Sunday, and then extended that a further day confidently declaring the airport open and that flights would resume on Monday this week. That confidence evaporated with in hours, an updated post later confirmed that the airport would remain closed indefinitely due to newly discovered structural concerns.
The failed reopening on Sunday night left a Link Airways aircraft that landed on Sunday night stranded for 24 hours at Armidale because of the tarmac issues. The small airline is taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to future Armidale to Brisbane flights, not wanting that situation to be repeated. Link only recently announced they were increasing flight frequency to Armidale at the expense of services to other New England centres.
Passengers, growing increasingly sceptical of the Council’s assurances, have started making alternative travel arrangements well beyond the forecast return to Armidale flights on Friday. Many no longer believe the official timelines given for reopening, and are nervous about missing appointments or international connections, as many have over the past week because of the disruption. Some are driving to other centres, and many are opting for the train, with NSW TrainLink putting an extra carriage on to cater for the additional demand.
“It is great to see NSW TrainLink stepping up to provide assistance to travellers who need to get to Sydney from Armidale,” Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said.
“The unexpected closure of Armidale Airport disrupted travel plans for many people, so it is good to see an alternative provided.”
Armidale Regional Council have repeatedly refused to answer questions about their confidence in the repair schedule, alternative travel arrangements, and what arrangements were being put in place to support returning students, with Lifesaver Day and the official start of the University of New England year on today.
Additional flights are departing from Tamworth, and Council is continuing its bus service to connect passengers from Armidale Airport. However, this service has faced significant criticism for requiring passengers to leave Armidale several hours before their flights.
The bus leaves Armidale at 7am, 9.30am, and 1.30pm, with no later afternoon buses for those catching evening flights. The return trip leaves Tamworth at 10.45am, 1.50pm, 5.15pm and 8.45pm. No explanation is being given for the lack of afternoon connecting services from Armidale.
While some Uralla-based passengers have expressed gratitude to bus drivers for dropping them off as they pass through town, they have also called for a pick-up stop in Uralla. From social media comments, Council appears to have rejected these requests.
Passengers have also accused Qantas of profiteering from the situation, with ticket prices skyrocketing to $799—more than double the usual fare of under $300. Affected Qantas customers have been offered travel credits or the option to change their bookings, though only within a limited timeframe.
In its latest statement on its website, Armidale Regional Council says that the airport remains closed except for aircraft with prior permission to operate. This measure allows for the relocation of aircraft currently at the airport and ensures that serious medivac flights can continue.
“Specialist pavement strength contractors will conduct testing on Wednesday to assess issues that may not yet be visible.”
The results of these tests will determine whether the airport can reopen for smaller aircraft, resume full operations, or remain closed for further repairs.
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