The final flight to Melbourne will take off from Illawarra Regional Airport at 7.50pm, once again leaving the region without the services of a domestic airline.

Qantas announced its decision a month ago, blaming rising fuel costs for the decision.

However, many in the community cited inadequate planes, a shortage of pilots and lack of support from corporate heavyweights as the reasons for axing the service.

After two previous carriers failed to succeed, it is disappointing that this service has gone down the same path.

But it is also a sign of the times and the Illawarra is not the only victim of Qantas' decision to scale back services.

The average Australian household is also feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices and has been forced to review its use of the family car.

In the same way, Qantas has been forced to review its fleet and services with a view to cutting costs and tightening its financial belt.

It is believed that the airline is about to axe up to 3000 jobs worldwide, and cut more loss-making flight routes as the record price of oil hits hard.

We can only hope that one day a domestic carrier will find a way to run an economic service to the Illawarra - and remain flying.