The Australian Government has further extended key assistance measures to support domestic aviation, ensuring one of the nation’s most economically critical industries can weather the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the Domestic Aviation Network Support (DANS) and Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) programs have been extended until the end of the year.

“DANS has provided critical support for the aviation sector and the Australian Government has decided to continue it until 31 December 2021 to maintain a minimum level of services on key air routes.”

Mr Joyce, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said, “Through the COVID-19 crisis, DANS and RANS have allowed more than 1.8 million passengers to continue  travelling across our country, including essential workers in health care and other frontline services.

“These critical programs will continue to support essential freight movements around the country, providing critical access to healthcare equipment, education and mail and ensuring various critical industries can continue to operate,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Government is also extending a 50 per cent waiver of domestic air services charges for Regular Public Transport and aeromedical flights to 31 December 2021.

“This will continue to help manage costs for airlines as they navigate the serious ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 outbreaks, including lockdowns and border closures.”

The Tourism Aviation Network Support (half-price flights) initiative is being extended to 30 November 2021 for both sales and travel, to ensure travellers impacted by lockdowns or border closures can access these tickets and benefit key tourism regions as soon as possible.

Other critical aviation support measures to be extended until the end of the year include:

• The Aviation Services Accreditation Support Program, which provides support to businesses providing ancillary support services to the aviation industry, such as ground handling companies.
• The Domestic Airports Security Costs Support program, providing financial assistance to Australia’s eligible domestic airports to assist with costs associated with mandated security screening requirements that must be met regardless of the volume of aviation activity.

Mr Joyce said, “The Government is also providing additional support for domestic airlines to maintain critical domestic aviation workforce capability.