State Government’s capped regional airfares take off offering $299 one-way flights for North West residents

North West residents can now benefit from capped $299 one-way airfares, which went on sale today, under an Australian-first State Government scheme.

The $19.8 million program, which was a McGowan Government election commitment, will see a $299 one-way cap introduced for destinations more than 1000km driving distance from Perth.

Regional destinations under 1000km driving distance from Perth will have a $199 one-way cap introduced.

The move comes after the Parliamentary inquiry into regional airfares, a 2017 election commitment, which has also seen airlines undertake several initiatives including resident fares.

The new scheme is a partnership between the State Government and Airnorth, Qantas, Regional Express, Skippers Aviation and Virgin.

Regional residents will still be able to access sale or lower fares should they be on offer, but aims to provide certainty and affordability to fly to Perth at capped fares if needed.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said the program would make a “huge” difference for those residents needing to travel to and from Perth.

“Our plan will ease the burden of regional travel costs by making sure that regional West Australians are able to get to and from Perth when they need to travel at a fair price,” he said.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti welcomed the collaboration between airlines and regional communities to deliver the program.

To access the zone cap fares, residents will need to book a return fare with travel starting in the regions.

Tickets will go on sale through respective airlines from today for flights starting from July 1, 2022.