Throwing the travel plans of thousands of passengers into disarray, Bonza has entered voluntary administration.
[UPDATED 1 MAY 2024]
Documents filed with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Tuesday show the budget airline has appointed accounting firm Hall Chadwick as an external administrator.
Tuesday morning, the airline announced it had cancelled several routes in its network. An update shortly afterwards added that all services would be temporarily suspended.
“Bonza has temporarily suspended services due to be operated today (30 April) as discussions are currently underway regarding the ongoing viability of the business,” Bonza CEO Tim Jordan said in a statement early Tuesday.
“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.”
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the airline said it has “temporarily suspended services due to be operated between Tues 30 April, Wed 1 and Thur 2 May”.
While the situation is grim for Bonza, there is still the possibility the carrier could still be saved by a third party or be restructured.
Airlines offer help
In the meantime, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have reached out to those impacted by Bonza’s grounding, offering free flights.
“We know the news about Bonza today is difficult for both their customers and their team members,” Qantas Group said in a statement released yesterday.
“For any customers with a cancelled Bonza flight on a route we operate, to make sure you’re not further out of pocket, you can fly with us at no cost where we have seats available.”
Of Bonza’s 36 routes, Qantas says there are six overlapping routes with either JQ or QF:
- Melbourne – Gold Coast (Jetstar)
- Melbourne – Sunshine Coast (Jetstar)
- Avalon – Gold Coast (Jetstar)
- Gold Coast – Cairns (Jetstar)
- Melbourne – Mildura (QantasLink)
- Melbourne – Alice Springs (Qantas)
“If there is another close alternative route that Jetstar or Qantas operate, customers with a cancelled Bonza flight can also travel at no cost (e.g. Brisbane as an alternative to Gold Coast, or Melbourne as an alternative to Avalon),” Qantas added.
“Bonza customers can contact Jetstar on Live Chat or 13 15 38 and Qantas on 13 13 13 to book these seats.”
Likewise, Virgin Australia said it would offer immediate support for any passengers stranded mid-journey “by offering complimentary seats on Virgin Australia-operated flights to the airport nearest to their final planned Bonza destination”.
Yesterday, the Federal Government set up a dedicated hotline number (1800 069 244) for impacted travellers.
“Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are all willing to assist passengers impacted by the situation, including re-booking passengers who need to return to their home port,” the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts states on its website.
Minister’s message
In a message on X Tuesday, Transportation Minister Catherine King said she expects the low-cost carrier to “keep passengers informed of their options and their consumer rights”.
“This morning I spoke with Qantas and Virgin CEOs and both airlines stand ready to assist stranded passengers needing to get home,” she added.
Flyers frustrated
Meanwhile, passengers have spoken of their frustration at the situation.
“A two-hour flight has turned all day. Given the circumstances that it is … it’s bad,” Tracey Hilbert told Fairfax Media yesterday at Melbourne Airport, where she was due to fly to Gladstone, Queensland.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Coast resident Jenny Roberts said six family members and friends had booked with Bonza to visit in June.
“I am cranky. We can’t wait around for [Bonza] to make up their minds,” she told The Age.
“They were coming to the Sunshine Coast for a 21st birthday event, and now we will have to arrange for them to go to Brisbane and be collected.”
