Mount Isa Airport is now a ghost town as numbers in flights dramatically reduce in order to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
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Passenger numbers are falling dramatically at Queensland Airports Limited's main ports this month following further Federal Government travel restrictions, reductions to airline services and general changes to travel behaviour.
QAL CEO Chris Mills said the impacts of COVID-19 started to be felt in February by the airport group, which owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports, but the decline has accelerated significantly in March.
"It is a challenging time for the business, with the aviation sector particularly hard hit by COVID-19," Mr Mills said.
"We are completely focused on guiding our business through these difficult times, however we do expect tough decisions will need to be made.
"Apart from the airlines, who are clearly hurting, there are so many other jobs linked to airport activities - our teams, retailers, car hire, construction - the list goes on.
Mount Isa Airport Chief Operating officer Kevin Gill they would continue to work closely with federal and state government agencies.
"We are following the direction of authorities, including the introduction of social distancing measures in the terminal. Additional hygiene measures have also been in place for some time," Mr Gill said.
"Our focus is on the welfare of our people, our passengers and our partners."
This comes after Regional Express airline welcomed the federal government's aviation support package announced on the weekend.
Rex said the comprehensive Regional Aviation Rescue Initiative would ensure critical regional aviation services would continue to be provided amid the worst operating conditions the industry has ever seen.
Under the initiative regional operators can access two funds, the first worth $198 million is to ensure existing Regular Public Transport regional air services can be maintained at a reduced capacity.
The second worth $100 million will help small regional operators overcome the sudden cash crunch brought about by the near drying up of all demand over the last two weeks.
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