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In a dramatic outcry for transparency and logical policymaking, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has castigated the government’s denial of additional flight requests from Qatar Airways. The provocative move has ignited a firestorm of speculation and concern, raising eyebrows among industry insiders who fear this could be a dire portent for Australia’s already beleaguered tourism and travel industry.

Brett Jardine – Managing Director – CATO

As global air traffic embarks on a slow climb to pre-pandemic numbers—forecasted by the International Air Transport Association to reach 83% of 2019 levels by the end of 2023—the refusal to allow Qatar Airways more slots is not just puzzling; it’s alarming. “The opacity surrounding the decision hinders effective planning and could discourage other airlines from entering the Australian market,” warns Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO.

This decision comes as CATO members—both within Australia and internationally—are already grappling with burgeoning fares and truncated flight options, which have crippled their bounce-back capabilities. In 2022, domestic Australian flights saw an average ticket price surge of 25% compared to the previous year, while international fares shot up by 30%, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Adding extra capacity through Qatar Airways, which has an exemplary safety record and a vast network connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas, would have provided immediate relief. Such a boost in air traffic could have led to competitive pricing, more jobs, and an uptick in economic activity, an economic elixir Australia desperately needs. In 2021 alone, the nation witnessed a staggering AUD 55 billion plunge in tourism revenue, per the Australian Tourism Industry Council.

“Affordable airfares are the linchpin for rejuvenating both the travel and tourism industry and the broader Australian visitor economy,” Jardine states emphatically. His words hang heavy in the air, mirroring the collective sentiment of an industry at the crossroads.

The Australian government would do well to listen. Industry leaders like CATO demanding an urgent reassessment due to the lack of transparency and questionable decision-making. As Australia teeters on the edge of tourism vitality, transparent governance isn’t just an expectation—it’s an imperative.