Bookings under the State Government's updated Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme for travel from 1 July 2026 are now open.
Prior to RAZC, regional residents, particularly in the Pilbara and Kimberley, faced fares exceeding $1,000 for one-way trips to Perth, making flying unaffordable for many.
The scheme is ensuring regional residents can stay connected to loved ones, visit healthcare professionals and access other essential services in Perth.
To secure the scheme for the future, zone cap fares have been updated 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 locations more than 1,000km from Perth), remains for low demand flights.
High demand flights will be capped at a maximum of $265 one way for zone 1 travel, and $385 one way for zone 2 travel.
Under the updated scheme, participating airlines are able to nominate fares anywhere up to the set maximum price caps for travel from 1 July 2026.
A number of airlines are offering fares cheaper than the maximum zone caps set under the new scheme, providing even greater savings for some travellers.
Regional residents can still access the low demand fares during peak travel periods if they book well in advance of their travel dates.
When booking last-minute, the zone cap fares for high demand flights can be relied upon to deliver year-round airfare certainty and savings when compared to travel on regular retail fares.
Depending on their location, regional residents booking a zone cap fare on a high demand flight could still expect to save more than $500, when compared to a regular economy fare.
The updated RAZC scheme is a joint initiative between the State Government and participating airlines Airnorth, Nexus Airlines, Qantas Airways, Rex, Skippers Aviation, and Virgin Australia.
The zone cap fares of each participating airline for low and high demand flights from 1 July 2026 can be viewed at www.farego.wa.gov.au, and booked through the airlines.
Bookings and travel under the original zone cap scheme remain until 30 June 2026.
