There will be no Bonza flight between Port Macquarie and Melbourne today, May 2 after the company entered voluntary administration and cancelled flights earlier this week.
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In a statement released on April 30, the low cost carrier said their fleet of planes will remain grounded "pending discussions with relevant parties and key stakeholders".
The grounding of the fleet is up to and includes Thursday, May 2.
A Bonza flight from Melbourne that was scheduled to arrive at Port Macquarie Airport at 1.30pm on May 2 has been cancelled.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is asking passengers who had booked this flight to not turn up at the airport.
"Regrettably, as many of you have heard, Bonza flights have been cancelled due to ongoing financial challenges at the airline," a council spokesperson said.
"If you were scheduled to depart from Port Macquarie Airport on the Thursday, May 2 flight we kindly ask you to please refrain from coming to the airport directly as Bonza does not have in-person customer service representatives at Port Macquarie Airport."
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No refunds for Bonza customers 'at this time'
Administrators for regional airline Bonza say customers won't be refunded for cancelled flights "at this time".
In an update from the administrators at Hall Chadwick, customers were told neither the administrators or the company were "in a position to process or issue refunds at this time".
"We understand how frustrating this is and we appreciate customers' patience," the statement said.
Planes grounded as company considers 'ongoing viability'
The future of Bonza flights between Port Macquarie and Melbourne remains left up in the air.
"Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today, as discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business," Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said in a statement on April 30.
Port Macquarie Airport Business Manager Brian Carson said he received written correspondence that Bonza Airlines has temporarily suspended services on Tuesday, April 30.
"At this early stage, there is no indication as to what immediate impacts this will have for the tri-weekly Port Macquarie to Melbourne route," he said.
"Airport operations staff are closely monitoring ongoing updates and information released from Bonza."
Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar have all confirmed they would provide complimentary travel where possible.
Port Macquarie News Journalist Emily Walker recently booked a return trip with Bonza from Port Macquarie to Melbourne, with the flights confirmed on April 29.
She is scheduled to fly to Melbourne with Bonza on May 11 and return on May 25.
At this stage, she has received no update regarding her flights and she hasn't been contacted by Bonza.
The Port News has contacted Bonza for comment.
The Australian Government has established a hotline for stranded passengers which can be called on 1800 069 244 and is open until 10pm on April 30.
The first seed for low-cost carrier Bonza was planted as an idea 15 years ago by Tim Jordan and his wife Simone on the verandah of their Urunga home on the Mid North Coast.
The airline has been operating out of Port Macquarie Airport since April 13, 2023.
