Australian budget airline Tigerair closes as pandemic batters travel industry


Tigerair Boeing in Wagga Wagga Airport, Australia (Image: Bidgee/Creative Commons)

Tigerair, Australia’s popular budget carrier has said it will shut down amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision was announced on Friday by its parent company Virgin Australia, as it continues to battle a severely battered travel industry.

Beginning its services in Australia in 2013, with its first flight being operated from Melbourne to Gold Coast, the popular budget carrier flew an estimated 30 million travellers before finally giving up to the Covid-19 crisis.

Virgin Australid said the decision to close the brand was tough, but essential for the survival of the company. The parent company will hold on to the air operator certificate so as they it can revive a low-cost carrier once the travel and tourism industry makes a significant comeback from the Covid-19 crisis.