The West Australian government has not confirmed whether regional airfare prices will remain stable, raising concerns among residents booking flights in advance. The Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme was established to make travel more affordable for residents in regional Western Australia. Under this scheme, flight costs to Perth are capped at $199 one way for trips within 1,000 kilometers and $299 for flights exceeding that distance. This program is set to expire on June 30, 2026.

Residents in Karratha are particularly worried as they attempt to book flights beyond the scheme's expiration. They have discovered that a return flight to Perth could exceed $1,000, a significant increase from the current average of about $600. Similarly, flights from Kalgoorlie have risen to $340, which is $141 more than the previous rates.

Helen Hall, a Karratha resident and grandmother, expressed her frustration with the potential price hikes. "Being a senior citizen, it impacts living in Karratha," she said. Hall, who has lived in the area for over 30 years, highlighted the financial strain of maintaining her household while needing to travel to Perth regularly to care for her 92-year-old mother-in-law. "It's getting beyond a joke. It'll literally mean driving to Perth or not going at all," she added.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the importance of the scheme but did not provide specific answers regarding airfare prices after June 30. "The community can rest assured the scheme will be continuing beyond 30 June 2026," she stated. Saffioti mentioned that a review of the scheme is underway to ensure it meets the needs of regional communities, with announcements expected before the end of the year. However, she did not confirm if the current price caps would remain unchanged after the extension.

Former Karratha mayor Peter Long, who has lived in the region for over 30 years, described the discounted flights as a significant benefit for residents. "It's really been the single biggest thing the state government has done for the regions," he said. Long emphasized that affordable air travel contributes greatly to livability in the area, noting that typical airfare costs were previously over $1,000. He suggested that a modest increase in prices due to inflation would be reasonable, but cautioned against steep hikes. "If it goes up 30 or 50 percent, that would be terrible," he warned.

Both Virgin and Qantas have been approached for comments regarding the situation.