About the updated Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme
The State Government has locked in capped airfares for regional residents, making it easier to connect with loved ones, visit healthcare professionals, and access other essential services in Perth.
Under the updated scheme, regional airfares are capped at a maximum cost of $199 or $299 one-way for low demand flights and $265 or $385 for high demand flights, depending on the regional location.
Participating airlines can choose to offer fares less than the set zone cap maximum prices. Capped airfare prices offered by participating airlines on selected regional routes are published below.
Zone cap fares are only available to residents who live in the regions outside of Perth and Peel.
Zone cap fares:
- are for personal travel only
- must be booked as a return fare that departs and returns to the same regional destination
- have an annual 12 trip limit per person
The Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme is a joint initiative between the State Government and 6 airlines: Airnorth, Nexus Airlines, Qantas Airways, Rex, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia.
Zone cap fare cost overview
The maximum cost of a zone cap fare for travel from 1 July 2026 onwards for flights from an airport within 1,000 kilometres driving distance from Perth (Zone 1) is:
- $199 one way for low demand flights or $265 one way for high demand flights and for last minute travel.
The maximum cost of a zone cap fare for travel from 1 July 2026 onwards for flights from an airport more than 1,000 kilometres driving distance from Perth (Zone 2) is:
- $299 one way for low demand flights or $385 one way for high demand flights and for last minute travel.
Zone cap fares are inclusive of GST and taxes.
Regional residents are encouraged to book ahead and compare fares on routes where more than one airline operates to secure the best zone cap price.
Passengers can make at least one flight change with no change fee when travelling on a zone cap fare up to 24 hours before the flight. Additional flight changes or changes occurring within less than 24 hours before the flight may incur a charge.
All zone cap fares include a checked and carry-on baggage allowance however allowances vary depending on the airline.
Optional extras, such as excess baggage, credit card booking fees, and in-flight meals or entertainment may have additional charges depending on the airline.
Zone cap fare prices by route and airline
Zone cap fares are available on the regional air routes listed below, direct to Perth and some locations that do not offer a non-stop air route to Perth, such as Perth-Laverton-Leonora. Zone cap fares are not available for connecting flights booked as separate tickets.
Skippers Aviation routes are not subject to low and high demand fares because of the shorter distances and low demand of these routes.
Zone 1 - Flights from an airport within 1,000 kilometres driving distance from Perth
| Airport | Airline | Low demand one way zone cap fare | High demand one way zone cap fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | Rex | $199 | $265 |
| Carnarvon | Rex | $199 | $265 |
| Esperance | Rex | $199 | $265 |
| Geraldton | Nexus Airlines | $199 | $219 |
| Geraldton | Qantas Airways | $199 | $265 |
| Kalgoorlie | Virgin Australia | $191 | $239 |
| Kalgoorlie | Qantas Airways | $199 | $265 |
| Laverton* | Skippers Aviation | $199 | $199 |
| Leonora* | Skippers Aviation | $199 | $199 |
| Meekatharra | Skippers Aviation | $199 | $199 |
| Monkey Mia (Denham)* | Rex | $199 | $265 |
| Mount Magnet* | Skippers Aviation | $199 | $199 |
| Wiluna* | Skippers Aviation | $199 | $199 |
*Air services on these routes may not be direct to Perth but are still eligible for the Zone cap fare.
Zone 2 - flights from an airport more than 1,000 kilometres driving distance from Perth
| Airport | Airline | Low demand one way zone cap fare | High demand one way zone cap fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broome | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Broome | Virgin Australia | $298 | $359 |
| Exmouth (Learmouth) | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Karratha | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Karratha | Virgin Australia | $298 | $359 |
| Kununurra | Airnorth | $299 | $349 |
| Kununurra | Virgin Australia | $298 | $359 |
| Newman | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Newman | Virgin Australia | $298 | $359 |
| Paraburdoo | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Port Hedland | Qantas Airways | $299 | $385 |
| Port Hedland | Virgin Australia | $298 | $359 |
How to book a zone cap fare
You can book a zone cap fare through the participating airline:
- Airnorth: call 1800 627 474.
- Nexus Airlines: book online with Nexus or call (08) 6155 4500.
- Qantas Airways: book online with Qantas or call 13 13 13. (You will need to join the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, which is free of charge for regional residents).
- Rex: book online with Rex (select the resident fare option when booking).
- Skippers Aviation: call 1300 729 924.
- Virgin Australia: book online with Virgin Australia, you will need to join the Velocity Frequent Flyer program (the program is free of charge for regional residents) or call 13 67 89.
Booking conditions
- Zone cap fares must be booked as a return fare.
- The specific terms and conditions of zone cap fare vary between airlines.
- Some resident fares are non-refundable. Check with the airline before booking your flight.
- An annual 12 trip limit per person applies to zone cap fares.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered a low demand or high demand flight or a last minute booking?
Show moreLow-demand flights are typically those that operate during mid-week and off-peak periods and during departure times that are less popular.
High demand flights generally include school holidays and peak tourism periods that sell out quickly.
A last-minute booking is defined as travel booked within 48 hours of departure.
Airlines sell tickets across a range of fare classes. Under the updated Regional Airfare Zone Cap, specific, cheaper fare classes fall within the low zone cap fare.
During school holidays, major events, peak tourism periods and other busy travel windows, demand increases. In these periods, low zone cap fares may sell out quicker. Low zone cap fares can be secured during these periods by booking early, selecting less popular departure times and comparing fares on routes where more than one airline operates.
If the low zone cap fares on a particular flight have sold out, the high zone cap fare will apply. High zone cap fares remain available up to the date of departure, providing certainty for travellers who need to fly at specific times or during peak periods.
Booking early and considering flexible travel times can increase the likelihood of securing a low zone cap fare.
Can I change the date of my return flight?
Show moreOne change per booking is permitted without a change fee under the updated RAZC scheme, provided the change is made at least 24 hours before departure.
Some airlines may offer additional changes, with or without a fee. Check the terms and conditions of your fare before you book.
How many trips per year can I book using the zone cap fare?
Show moreAn annual 12 trip (return journey) limit per person applies to zone cap fares.
Does the zone cap fare apply all year round?
Show moreYes, subject to seat availability. There are different zone cap maximums for low demand flights and high demand/last minute travel:
For zone 1 travel from regional locations less than 1,000 km from Perth the maximum zone cap fare is $199 one way for low demand flights and $265 one way for high demand flights and last minute travel.
For zone 2 travel from regional locations more than 1,000 km from Perth the maximum zone cap fare is $299 one way for low demand flights and $385 one way for high demand flights and last minute travel.
Zone cap fares mean you will never pay more than the high demand one-way capped price on any flight.
Why do I have to join the airline loyalty or resident fare program to access a zone cap fare?
Show moreSome airlines use their loyalty or resident program to establish and check if you are eligible for the zone cap fare.
If you are not a member of an airline’s resident fare program and need to travel urgently, contact the airline to find out what fare options may be available.
What if I find a cheaper fare than the zone cap, can I still take advantage of sale fares?
Show moreYes, you can choose to book a cheaper fare if available. Airlines may offer promotional, community and other sale fares that could be cheaper than the zone cap fare.
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