Qantas has delayed the start date of some of its new regional airline routes because of uncertainties relating to the coronavirus pandemic.
The airline had intended to begin services between Griffith and Sydney, Merimbula and Melbourne and Newcastle and Melbourne from February 1, but will put those routes on hold until March 1.
Qantas said the decision was prompted by uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 in Sydney and border restrictions.
Passengers affected by the change are being given the opportunity to re-book using flight credits or refunds.
Travel between NSW and Victoria is currently limited for some residents in the northern state, but there are no travel restrictions between Sydney and Griffith.
Griffith Mayor John dal Broi said he understood why there had to be a delay, but said the decision again highlighted how regional areas were affected despite no community transmission of COVID-19.
A person who did not know they had COVID-19 did fly into Griffith from Sydney on a Rex flight in December, and Councillor dal Broi acknowledged this could be a risk in the future.
"With Qantas, of course, flying into some of these major cities, there could be issues."
Other new services from Mount Gambier, Wagga Wagga and Albury to Melbourne and Mount Gambier to Adelaide will begin as planned on March 28.
However, the airline says it will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on demand for services.
