Bonza has suspended all flights, including those to and from Avalon Airport effectively immediately.
Bonza has one flight, AB570, scheduled to depart from Avalon airport to Maroochydore at 2.10pm this afternoon.
“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today (Tuesday 30th April), as discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” Bonza chief executive Tim Jordan said.
“We apologise to our customers who are impacted by this and we’re working as quickly as possible to determine a way forward that ensures there is ongoing competition in the Australian domestic aviation market.”
Virgin Australia said it would “immediately support any passengers stranded mid-journey by offering complimentary seats on Virgin Australia-operated flights to the airport nearest to their final planned Bonza destination”.
“For those at an airport please see your nearest customer service representative or call our Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89,” it said.
“I am aware of reports this morning of Bonza flights being cancelled,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said.
“I have spoken to Qantas and Virgin CEOs this morning and both airlines stand ready to assist stranded passengers needing to get home. My department has reached out to Bonza and our expectation is that they keep passengers informed of their options and their consumer rights.
“My department is in the process of establishing a hotline for stranded passengers and we will get that number out to media as quickly as we can.”
