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The WA Government has pledged more than $5 million for regional aviation services in this year’s state budget.
Funding injections of $3.8 million for the Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN), operated by Nexus Airlines, and more than $1.3 million for two Kimberley services operated by Aviair, will be included in the 2026-27 budget to extend subsidies on the regional routes.
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“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,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“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.”
The IRFN connects Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland and Broome, while the two Aviair routes serve Kununurra-Halls Creek-Balgo and Derby-Broome, providing improved access to work, tourism, healthcare, government, and other essential services.
According to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson, the funding aims to “keep these important services flying”.
“Travel between regional cities and communities is crucial for local economies, enabling residents to conduct business, access medical care, and benefit from tourism,” he said.
“These services provide direct travel options, saving both time and money by eliminating the need to fly through Perth.”
This is the latest move by Western Australia to support its regional aviation sector following the announcement earlier this month that the state would kick in to maintain current prices under the Regional Airfare Zone Cap (RAZC) scheme, some of which were slated to increase from the middle of this year, and cover additional fuel costs on “critical intra-regional routes”.
The revised RAZC scheme would have capped “high-demand” fares at a maximum of $265 one-way for locations within 1,000km of Perth and $385 for destinations further away, compared to $199 and $299, respectively, for “low-demand” fares.
Extended until 2031 with an extra $122 million government investment, the RAZC is administered in partnership with Airnorth, Nexus, Qantas, Rex, Skippers Aviation and Virgin. The government pays airlines part of the fare difference, though exact amounts are commercial in confidence.
Nexus Airlines has been contacted for comment.
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