Australia-first regional airfares scheme to cap Albany locals’ flights to Perth at $199

Airfares for Albany residents travelling return to Perth will be capped at $199 one-way from July 1.

The WA Government on Thursday announced the delivery of a $19.8 million “Australian-first” scheme, offering $199 one-way tickets for regional residents leaving and returning to a location within 1000km driving distance of Perth.

This includes flights to Perth from airports in Albany, Carnarvon, Esperance, Geraldton, Monkey Mia (Denham), Wiluna, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Laverton, Leonora, Meekatharra and Mount Magnet.

For residents departing from an airport more than 1000km driving distance from Perth including Broome, Karratha, Newman, Port Hedland, Exmouth (Learmonth), Kununurra and Paraburdoo, flights will be capped at $299 one-way

Regional residents can still access sale or lower fares below the capped prices, and to access the capped fares they will need to book a return flight, with travel commencing in the regions.

The scheme is a partnership between the State Government, Airnorth, Qantas, Regional Express, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia, which each already have a residents’ fare program.

Premier Mark McGowan said delivery of the election commitment would secure flight prices for regional residents for the next three years.

“This will make a huge difference for those residents needing to travel to and from Perth — whether that be for medical or personal appointments or to visit family and friends,” he said.

“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.”