[Claire Halliday]

The budget airline Bonza took off strongly, with promises of lots of flight routes and a commitment to lowering prices. But it’s now bringing a number of its low-demand routes into land.
The airline made the announcement on Thursday and will be cutting five routes.
Since launching in January this year, the Sunshine Coast-based carrier has been flying 27 routes to 17 destinations.
But that’s about to change from 1 August when Cairns to Mackay, Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour, Sunshine Coast to Port Macquarie, Sunshine Coast to Tamworth, and Toowoomba to the Whitsunday Coast will all be cut.
“We know that when people fly with us, they have a Bonza experience onboard,” chief commercial officer Carly Povey said in a statement. “But we also know that in the past couple of months, not everyone has had a good experience with Bonza and we need to stare directly into why that is – specifically when we cancel or delay flights.”
And if you’re due to fly on affected flights?
Apparently, you’ll be contacted via text message. And, said Povey, “depending on their scenario” will either be offered a full refund or alternative flights.
But while some flights are departures from the Bonza flight schedule, there will also be some new arrivals.
Three “strong performing” routes will each have a new weekly service added: Melbourne (Avalon) to Port Macquarie, Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Port Macquarie, and Sunshine Coast to Albury.
For the sake of offering customers more affordable travel options across Australia, here’s hoping Bonza doesn’t get grounded permanently.

Have you been affected by Bonza’s flight cuts? Or do you avoid budget airlines? What budget Bonza route would you like to see added in the future? Share your stories in the comments below.

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