Regional Express (Rex) will stop flying to Kangaroo Island at the end of June.

The last service, ZL4772, will depart Kangaroo Island at 6:30pm on Tuesday June 30. Any customers with bookings to travel after this date can contact Rex to arrange a full refund.

The airline committed to flying the route until Qantaslink matched its current two to three daily Kangaroo Island flights, saying it wanted to avoid disruption for locals and tourists.

Qantaslink announced on Friday7 February it will increase the number of its weekly return services from five to 12 in July.

Rex announced its removal of the route last week, blaming Qantas for dumping capacity on several marginal routes, including the Kingscote service. The company has made an official complaint to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

A statement from the airline says, “This is not a decision that Rex has taken lightly, having serviced Kangaroo Island continuously for 30 years, first as Kendell Airlines and then as Rex since 2002.”

“Qantas has won this round, but in the longer term the communities are the real losers.”

Qantas however has accused Rex of throwing a tantrum and says it has given regional customers more choice and added new routes where it has seen growth potential.

Premier Stephen Marshall, who is also now the South Australian Tourism Minister, welcomed Qantaslink's decision to add extra flights.

“It’s a terrific show of support for the Kangaroo Island community, and a significant investment from Qantas.”