- Cook Labor Government investment provides air service certainty for regional WA
- $3.8 million investment in State Budget 2026-27 to continue operation of the Inter-Regional Flight Network
- More than $1.3 million to continue operation of two important Kimberley routes
- Budget funding follows support to cover additional fuel costs for airlines operating critical regional routes
The Cook Labor Government will invest more than $5 million as part of the 2026-27 State Budget to ensure air services remain accessible and affordable for regional communities.
The funding will extend subsidy support on key State-regulated regional routes, allowing airlines to maintain connectivity for regional communities through regular air services.
An investment of $3.8 million will support Nexus Airlines' continued operation of the Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN).
By providing direct links between Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome, the IRFN delivers time and cost savings for regional residents by removing the need to travel via Perth.
Its operation supports the growth of Geraldton and Broome as key service centres by linking them to the FIFO hubs of the Pilbara, while improving access for other work-related, family, and medical travel, and boosting tourism opportunities.
More than $1.3 million will be invested to support the continued operation of Aviair's Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo and the Derby-Broome services.
The funding will help maintain vital links for Kimberley residents to healthcare, government and other essential services, while reducing isolation for remote communities when seasonal flooding disrupts road access.
The funding follows a commitment by the Cook Labor Government to cover additional fuel costs for airlines operating on critical inter-regional routes.
This includes Aviair-operated routes between Derby-Broome, Broome-Fitzroy Crossing-Halls Creek, Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo and Kununurra-Kalumburu, as well as the Nexus-operated Geraldton-Karratha-Port Hedland-Broome route.
The Cook Labor Government has also extended further support to regional airlines to ensure capped airfares under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme remain unchanged despite higher jet fuel costs.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting these critical inter-regional air routes so our regional communities can stay connected to essential services, job opportunities and family.
"This investment builds on our commitment to cover rising jet fuel costs for airlines operating on important intra-regional routes and ensuring fares under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme are maintained, so regional residents aren't hit with higher costs.
"These measures are ensuring air travel remains affordable and accessible for regional families, while ensuring tourists can discover our great State and support our regional economies."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Travel between regional cities and communities is crucial for local economies, enabling residents to conduct business, access medical care, and benefit from tourism.
"These services provide direct travel options, saving both time and money by eliminating the need to fly through Perth.
"With this funding, the Cook Labor Government aims to keep these important services flying."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"The Cook Labor Government continues to invest in air travel within the Kimberley region, and we're proud to be delivering more funding to maintain these services.
"Providing flights between regional towns ensures people living in remote parts of the Kimberley can access essential services more easily, saving time and money.
"Affordable and reliable air travel is critical to supporting the growth of our regional communities and economies."
As stated by Sandra Carr MLC:
"Flights between Geraldton and the Pilbara have been a gamechanger for our community, supporting FIFO job opportunities for residents and local businesses.
"Securing these inter-regional routes is part of the Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to keeping air travel accessible and affordable for regional Western Australians."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to keeping air travel affordable for regional communities as well as ensuring visitors can discover everything our regions have to offer.
"By improving flight connections between the Mid West, Kimberley and Pilbara, we are supporting regional economies and ensuring locals can stay connected to family, job opportunities and essential services."
