Up, up and away for flights between Sydney and Mudgee

Flights between Sydney and Mudgee will resume today for the first time in 18 months following a NSW Government decision to deregulate airline services on the route.

Under the Air Transport Act, all intrastate air routes are presumed to be regulated, creating costly red tape for airlines wanting to provide a service.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the deregulation of the Sydney-Mudgee route has enabled FlyPelican to begin services today.

“This is great news for people who live, visit or do business in Mudgee with FlyPelican to operate two return flights to Sydney each weekday, and one return flight on Sunday,” Mr Constance said.

“Current driving times can be as much as five hours one way, but the resumption of flights means people can get to/from Sydney and Mudgee in just over 45 minutes, with the option of returning home the same day.”

Mr Grant said the resumption of services will deliver ongoing benefits for the Central West.

“I’m delighted this critical link is back up and running,” Mr Grant said.

“This is an example of how the NSW Government is removing red tape to support businesses to grow while delivering lasting benefits for the community.

“Better connectivity between Sydney and Mudgee will boost tourism in the region, and will be a vital service for many people including the doctors and medical specialists who used to fly here regularly.”

Mudgee has been without an air service since December 2013 following the collapse of Brindabella Airlines.

Mid-Western Regional Council agreed to provide funding to support FlyPelican to establish the service, with the funds ensuring the company will provide flights for at least 12 months. 

There are currently 10 regulated intrastate air routes and 13 deregulated intrastate routes operating services to Sydney. 

The NSW Government is committed to delivering essential services to regional NSW and better connectivity between regional centres and Sydney. 

Up,up and away for flights between Sydney and Mudgee (pdf 99KB)