Aussie service crisis fueling, ire of 'second-class citizens'
While industry groups in the U.S.

While industry groups in the U.S. warn about the effects of rising regulatory costs on service levels at small regional airports, similar pressures have thrown Australia into an even more serious crisis, judging by the frantic warning calls emanating from the Regional Aviation Association of Australia. The RAAA cautioned that another 30 communities could lose their air service over the next five years if the federal government does not approve a $30 million rescue package immediately.

According to government figures, over the past three years some 40 regional airports in Australia have lost regular service due to demographic and economic shifts, competition from roads and other government-supported modes of transport, aging aircraft, taxes, fees and insurance costs.