Air services in Western Australia

Air Services overview and maps

Aviation in WA is essential to the economy and social and health needs of regional communities. Sustainable, affordable, safe and reliable air services. Air services are often the most efficient mode of transport for WA's dispersed communities and are also critical for mining and business operations across the State as well as bringing visitors to the regions, growing tourism markets.

The State Government considers various levels of regulation on air routes while taking into account the unique circumstances of each route, particularly the needs of community and industry. In fulfilling its role as a regulator, the State scales its response between the following regulatory options for Regular Public Transport (RPT) routes:

• Fully regulated routes are those routes where demand for RPT air services is marginal and there is a significant risk in communities not having access to an adequate level of RPT services. Fully regulated routes are established by awarding exclusive monopoly rights to one airline through a competitive tender process.
• Lightly regulated routes are those routes that receive an adequate level of RPT air services in a monopoly or duopoly airline market, but where there is community concern about the affordability and reliability of air services. These routes are lightly regulated by conditions placed on the aircraft licences, such as community engagement and provision of data.

Engaging regional WA

The Department of Transport (DoT) facilitates various regular consultation activities to be better informed and engaged with stakeholders and communities related to Regular Public Transport (RPT) air services for regional Western Australia.

Consultation on fully regulated air routes

The fully regulated RPT air routes to Albany, Esperance, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia, Laverton, Leonora, Mount Magnet, Meekatharra and Wiluna are operated under Deeds of Agreement between the airline and the State Government. Under the Deeds DoT chairs two Aviation Community Consultation Group (CCG) meetings per year for each route. During the CCGs key stakeholders meet with DoT and the operating airline to discuss airline and route performance, initiatives and partnership opportunities.

In addition, DoT chairs Stakeholder Meetings for the Derby - Broome air service and the Inter Regional Flight Network (IRFN) between Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha and Geraldton.

These discussions are vital in ensuring the air route's long-term viability and to foster potential route growth. DoT engages with the airlines regularly in relation to any issues that may occur on the air routes.

Consultation on lightly regulated air routes

Airlines operating RPT services on lightly regulated routes in WA have a condition on their aircraft licence, requiring them to regularly engage with the regional communities they service, as well as providing data to the State Government.

DoT facilitates Regional Aviation Consultation Group (RACG) meetings in 10 regional towns associated with the lightly regulated routes including, Broome, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Onslow, Paraburdoo/Tom Price and Port Hedland.

The RACG meetings are held annually to provide a forum for ongoing and direct collaboration between the State, airlines, local governments, private airport operators, tourism bodies, the resources sector, and other key stakeholders. The RACG meetings aim to identify opportunities for improving access to affordable airfares, air service recovery and route development opportunities.

Regional WA airfares and air travel survey

Throughout March and April 2024, more than 41,000 regional residents were invited to have their say on airfares and air services within Western Australia as part of a survey to inform future Department of Transport regional aviation initiatives.

A letter was posted to households in towns with flights to and from Perth, inviting them to take part in the survey. Metropolitan and regional travellers were also surveyed online and in-person at Perth Airport.

The research was conducted by Painted Dog Research on behalf of the Department of Transport.

• Aviair operates the Kununurra - Halls Creek - Balgo subsidised air services until 30 June 2026. Aviair also operates a subsidised services on the Derby - Broome route under a Deed of Agreement until 28 June 2026.
• Rex operates the Albany, Esperance, and Carnarvon - Monkey Mia air routes under Deeds of Agreement with the State Government until 2 July 2028.
• Skippers Aviation operates on the Wiluna - Meekatharra - Mount Magnet and Laverton - Leonora air routes under a Deed of Agreement with the State Government until 2 July 2028. The routes are collectively known as the Northern Goldfields routes.

Under the agreements, the airlines are required to report monthly statistics such as passenger numbers, load factors, airfares, On Time Performance (OTP) and service cancellations. DoT regularly monitors performance on these routes.

Unmanned aircraft (drones)

If you have any enquiries about drones please contact CASA or visit their website below regarding Part 101 CASR - Unmanned aircraft and rockets.