- Cook Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme secured
- $122 million committed to keep airfares affordable for regional residents
- Zone cap fares to reflect low or high demand to ensure longevity of scheme
- Updated scheme bookings open early in 2026 for travel from 1 July 2026
- More than 677,000 capped airfares flown since scheme was introduced in 2022
- Cook Government delivering quality infrastructure and services across the State
The Cook Government is protecting affordable airfares for regional residents by securing the future of its landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme.
A further $122 million investment will support the revised scheme to June 2031, with the commitment following a review to ensure the first-of-its-kind scheme can operate sustainably and continue to support affordable air travel for regional residents.
The scheme is one of the Cook Government's key cost-of-living initiatives, supporting regional families to manage the high cost of air travel to and from Perth.
It has given Western Australia's regional residents guaranteed year-round airfare affordability for return trips to Perth, for the first time.
Prior to RAZC, regional residents, particularly in the Pilbara and Kimberley, faced fares exceeding $1,000 for one-way trips to Perth, make flying unaffordable for many.
Demand for the scheme has been significant since it was launched in 2022, with more than 677,000 capped airfares flown since the scheme was introduced.
Updates to the scheme will apply to zone cap travel from 1 July 2026 onwards, with a key change being the introduction of updated zone cap fares to reflect if a booking is for a low or high demand flight.
The original pricing of $199 one way (zone 1 for locations less than 1,000km from Perth) and $299 one way (zone 2 travel for locations more than 1,000km from Perth) will remain.
Under the updated scheme, these prices - set in 2022 - will be the maximum zone cap fares that can apply to low demand flights, which are generally those that are off-peak or booked well in advance of a departure date.
Zone cap fares capped at $265 one way for zone 1 travel and $385 one way for zone 2 travel will be introduced for high demand flights, which are generally those operating during peak periods, including public holidays and school holidays, or when booked for last minute travel.
Airnorth, Nexus Airlines, Qantas Airways, Rex Airlines, Virgin Australia and Skippers Aviation will continue to participate in the updated scheme and offer zone cap fares through their resident fare programs.
For the first time, airlines can choose to offer zone cap fares that are even cheaper than the set maximums, creating the potential for greater savings for travellers.
Regional residents will be encouraged to compare zone cap fares to get the best price for their flight on routes where more than one airline operates.
Key conditions of the existing RAZC scheme will remain, with zone cap fares excluding business travel and only being available to regional residents for return flights to Perth that originate in the regions. Each regional resident will be able to access up to 12 return zone cap trips per calendar year.
Bookings under the updated scheme will open in the new year for travel from 1 July 2026. Bookings under the existing scheme remain open for travel up until 30 June 2026.
For more information, visit www.farego.wa.gov.au
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our landmark Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme is one of the biggest and best initiatives we have delivered to support regional Western Australians and we are proud to be protecting affordable airfares for the long term.
"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.
"Before our government stepped in, people who needed to get to Perth for compassionate reasons or specialist appointments were forced to pay unreasonably high airfare costs, particularly for travel from the State's north.
"More than 677,000 capped airfares have been flown since the scheme was first introduced in 2022 - that's one zone cap fare flown every three minutes - showing how incredibly popular this initiative is.
"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.
"Cheaper airfares for regional residents are here to stay as part of our government's commitment to providing cost of living relief for WA families."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government is supporting regional communities through our Regional Airfare Zone Cap. We're making it easier for residents to connect with loved ones, attend specialist appointments without the burden of excessive costs.
"By securing the future of the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme, the Cook Government is delivering real cost of living relief for regional residents.
"Our focus is on keeping air travel affordable, so families and individuals can continue to live and enjoy the regional WA lifestyle."
