Regional airfare cap renewed, peak prices to climb from 2026

Kimberley residents say changes to the State’s regional airfares cap scheme — which will see fares rise by up to $86 one-way at peak times — will hurt those who need help the most.

After months of unease over the future of the Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme, which had been due to expire in June next year, the State Government last week announced that it would invest $122 million to extend it until June 2031.

But with one caveat — a new two-tiered pricing system will take effect on July 1, 2026.

While Broome, classified as Zone 2 (being more than 1000km from Perth) will retain its $299 one-way airfare cap to Perth for off-peak flights, during high-demand travel periods — for which travel is often more necessary according to locals — a higher capped fare of $385 one-way will apply.

This higher rate will apply during public holidays, school holidays and for last-minute bookings.

University of Notre Dame, Broome campus medical student and local resident Niamh Mack, said with family in Perth, the change to airfare-caps posed a huge risk to isolating remote students from family.

“While it’s a privilege to live and learn in the vibrant Broome community, annually our cohort undergoes 40 weeks of study, by the time our mid-year break comes around, we are eagerly awaiting hugs from family to recharge,” she said.

“When medical students already face financial hardship and burnout, this change is a sinister blow to student morale.

“In a remote health workforce shortage, it is pivotal that our government prioritises connecting remote health students with their loved ones, so they can continue their passion in serving the remote communities they call home.

“We need our transport and health ministers to acknowledge this profound risk, and how it could deter prospective health students.”

Shire of Broome president Chris Mitchell said the council appreciated the State’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional air travel, but knew many locals were concerned about how the peak-period increases would affect them.

“Affordable flights are essential for Broome residents, for medical appointments, family visits or education,” he said.

“We will continue to advocate for a system that keeps travel accessible for our community, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Government and airlines to ensure regional people aren’t disadvantaged.”

Shadow minister for planning and lands, Neil Thomson MLC said the decision to hike capped fares for “last minute” and “high demand” flights was a betrayal of regional people during a cost-of-living crisis.

“People in the regions, including the Kimberley and Pilbara will see price rises of between 28 and 32 per cent for their most important airfares,” he said.

“That will be a massive blow for families with school-aged children and our older residents in the region. For Broome residents, the prospect is that dry season fares (May to October) will attract the new higher rate.

“And the cynical approach by the Treasurer Rita Saffioti should be condemned. She must know residents can already book affordable standard fares if they have the luxury to plan months in advance and are willing to fly during wet season.

“But it is those last family emergencies that will now hit families hard really hard.

“It’s all the more galling to be happening when the Government is spending hundreds of millions in public transport subsidies for Perth residents”.

The Government said peak-season rises were necessary to ensure the scheme’s long-term viability, noting its high uptake with more than 677,000 capped airfares flown Statewide since 2022.

Ms Saffioti said the scheme was one of the biggest and best initiatives delivered to support regional West Australians.

“This initiative has fundamentally changed air travel affordability for regional communities that for too long were subjected to disproportionately high airfares, saving families thousands of dollars,” she said.

“By implementing these changes, we’re securing the future of this scheme to ensure our regional communities continue to have access to guaranteed year-round affordable airfares.”

Broome International Airport chief executive officer Andrew Lane said the initial introduction of the zone cap fare by the State Government was considered a huge step forward in improved liveability for Broome residents and others in the North West.

“The ability to be able to fly to Perth at short notice with certainty on the maximum airfare payable has helped keep families connected, enabled kids to attend sporting functions, and a range of leisure activities that would normally be priced out of reach due to the high cost of travel,” he said.

“The announcement that the policy will be continued until 2031 is warmly welcomed, and we expect a strong take-up of the offering by Broome residents.”

For more information on the Regional Airfare Zone Cap visit farego.wa.gov.au