It comes after JetGo was on Friday declared bankrupt, entering voluntary administration and suspending all scheduled “regular passenger transport” services across the country.

Outrage followed the announcement, with the region’s residents either cancelling plans or forking out hundreds of dollars to make alternate travel arrangements. 

Lou Stapleton was one of these passengers. 

The mother-of-five was set to fly with the Brisbane-based airline on Saturday. 

Ms Stapleton said her return ticket to the Gold Coast had been a Mothers Day gift from her children, who had pooled their money together so she could spend time with the son she had not seen for 12 months. 

“I’m so mad and devastated,” Ms Stapleton said. “I haven’t seen Jayden in a year.” 

Ms Stapleton said she had been left with no other option but to make an almost 14-hour journey by car or miss out on the bookings she had already made. 

The Junee woman said QantasLink’s specially offered discounts required money upfront, that the family didn’t have.  

“Driving was the only option left,” Ms Stapleton said. “Now my husband has to come with me and we’ve had to organise babysitters and school drop-offs and all that.”

Ms Stapleton said she only found out about the flight cancellation via her son, who was a journalist in QLD. 

JetGo’s managing director Paul Bredereck on June 1 confirmed flights would remain grounded until the end of the voluntary administration period, but Ms Stapleton said she had received no word about a refund. 

Wagga woman Wendy Perry said the news was disappointing for those who would lose money, but more so for many locals who used the service to travel to Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Ms Perry said she was hopeful for a ticket refund through her bank, but would not receive confirmation for about ten days. 

“Three-hundred dollars is a lot to lose,” Ms Perry said. “I feel for those who may lose more, but I feel more about the inconvenience. I truly hope a resolve can be initiated to continue flights.”