The federal government has guaranteed regional flight bookings while Rex Airlines goes through voluntary administration.

Transport Minister Catherine King made the announcement on Thursday just over two weeks since Rex went into administration last month with debts of around $500 million.

“Travellers can continue to book regional flights on Rex during this process with certainty that they will either fly or get their money back,” Ms King said in a statement.

The guarantee applies to all regional flight bookings made after Rex entered voluntary administration at 9.31pm on July 30.

“Rex’s continuation is in the best interests of Australia – and the government is working closely with the administrators to ensure a strong regional aviation presence now and into the future.”

Rex services more than 60 destinations, including 41 routes to regional and remote communities, and 21 serviced exclusively by the airline.

This post was originally published on Michael West.