Flights between Griffith and Melbourne have been temporarily halted as the aviation industry feels the effect of coronavirus.
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EastWest, in conjunction with Sharp Airlines, have put a temporary halt to passenger flights between Griffith Airport and Melbourne's Essendon airport, citing a reduction in air travel brought upon by the spread of COVID-19.
The last service will be on March 22, with all passengers holding bookings from March 23 onwards due to be contacted by either EastWest or Sharp Airlines.
Sharp Airlines CEO Dallas Hay said the decision was made with regret, with the virus causing a reduction in air travel.
"Since February with the spreading of the coronavirus and the wide spread social and economic impact on businesses and communities generally there has been an understandable reduction in air travel," Mr Hay said.
There is currently no estimate from the airlines as to when the service will resume.
EastWest marketing specialist Vianney Rouille said the company is determined to resume air services between Griffith and Melbourne following the recovery of the economy from the knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Given the dynamic and uncertain nature of the current situation, it is not possible to provide a clear guidance to the community when we will start again the air service," Mr Rouille said.
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The service first began in July 2019 and has seen more than 3000 passengers use the service since starting.
Griffith mayor John Dal Broi said it was disappointing for the city to have the service suspended due to "the unforseen magnitude of impact COVID-19 is having on all airlines services."
"Regional airlines - which are especially valuable to us - are particularly vulnerable as passengers respond to travel restrictions enforced by the government," Councillor Dal Broi said.
"We look forward to EastWest Airlines re-instating their flight service to Melbourne once travel restrictions are lifted."
For further information, you can call EastWest Airlines on 1300 350 616 or Sharp Airlines on 1300 55 66 94.
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