Sam Hawley

So what are we seeing?

Yes, OK, so flights to Mount Gambier by Qantas, they've been cut altogether.

So it's really regional communities that could be hardest hit.

The South Australian Premier, Peter Malinowskis, he has really expressed disappointment about this to Qantas directly.

It is of concern for regional people.

Well, Jetstar, it has also announced it will reduce flights between Australia and New Zealand.

That's also due to this rising fuel cost.

So, I mean, it is having an impact, that's for sure.

All right.

Well, a cynic might wonder, Ian, if the airlines are sort of using this as an excuse to cut the routes that aren't so profitable for them, because the Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, he has actually said that we've got 30 days of jet fuel in reserve.

So there is no shortage at the moment.

All right.

I did notice also, interestingly, Ian, that Virgin and Qantas have actually launched these big sales on some airfares.

So, I mean, why is that, given the fuel cost is so high?

All right, well, Ian, let's return to whether it's safe to book our big middle-of-the-year trip, which, of course, many people would have already done.

But what are the chances at this point that that could be cancelled, it could be delayed, you might maybe lose your money, not be able to go?

It's all very uncertain because we have a ceasefire now, of course, and we have jet fuel, but that could all change, couldn't it?

Well, the surging fuel prices, they are hitting the bottom line for Australian airlines, that's for sure.

But the big ones, the big airlines all around the world, they will ride this out, won't they?

So tell me then how long will it take to get back to normal and should we get used to higher fares for a while to come?