Price hiked on some flights as discounted travel for regional residents released for second half of year

Discounted fares for regional travel have been released for the second half of the year, with Mid West residents now able to book capped flights for travel after June 30.

After confusion from regional travellers about when the cheaper airfares were released, the State Government confirmed on Monday the capped flights were available to book and encouraged residents to “book early and shop around to find the cheapest fare possible”.

The Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme, which allows regional residents to book return tickets to Perth at discounted rates, was originally implemented in 2022 and extended at the end of last year.

The new fares available will continue the same pricing for low-demand flights — $199 one-way for zone-one destinations less than 1000km from Perth, and $299 one-way for zone-two destinations more than 1000km from Perth.

However, new changes will see high-demand flights priced at a maximum of $265 one-way for zone-one travel, and $385 for one-way zone-two travel.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the scheme gave peace of mind to regional residents.

“These changes to our landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme mean it will continue, and we can provide peace of mind to WA families that affordable airfares are here to stay,” she said.