Regional Express has secured funding to double flights to regional and remote areas.

The carrier has received a funding lifeline that will allow it to guarantee flights up to twice a week to “most” of its regional routes.

Deputy chairman John Sharp says the funding will help connect more regional Australians with capital cities.

“Without this intervention, many smaller regional communities would risk not having any air services at all for at least six months,” he said.

Rex's extra flights are being funded by the Commonwealth Grant Agreement through the COVID-19 Regional Airline Network Support program. Additionally, three states have committed to pay for further flights.

Rex has signed agreements with Queensland and Western Australia, and will sign one with South Australia.

Rex says it will be able to operate 88 weekly return services across Australia.