WA Government Expands Affordable Airfares Program to Kimberley Region
The Western Australian government has announced an expansion of its Affordable Airfares Program to include flights between Broome and Kununurra in the state's far north. This initiative aims to reduce travel costs for residents and tourists, making regional travel more accessible and boosting tourism in the Kimberley region.
The program will subsidize flights operated by Airnorth and Nexus Airlines, with fares capped at $199 one way. This will provide significant savings for travelers, potentially saving hundreds of dollars on flights between these two key Kimberley destinations.
The expansion of the program comes at a time when regional carrier Bonza is facing challenges and has cancelled flights across the east coast. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of airlines operating on routes with limited customers. However, the WA government is confident that the Affordable Airfares Program will provide much-needed support to airlines and residents in the Kimberley.
Benefits for Residents and Tourists
The program is expected to benefit both residents and tourists. For residents, it will make travel within the Kimberley more affordable, allowing them to explore their own backyard and engage in tourism activities that were previously cost-prohibitive. For tourists, the cheaper airfares will make the Kimberley a more attractive destination, encouraging them to visit and contribute to the region's economy.
Concerns from Pilbara Region
While the expansion of the program is welcomed by many, the Pilbara region feels left out. The program does not include flights to major towns in the Pilbara, such as Karratha and Port Hedland. This has led to frustration and complaints from the Pilbara Tourism Association, who argue that the region is unfairly perceived as just a mining area and deserves equal access to subsidized flights.
Overall, the expansion of the Affordable Airfares Program is a positive step towards making regional travel more affordable and accessible. This will benefit both residents and tourists, while also providing much-needed support to airlines operating in the Kimberley region. However, concerns from the Pilbara region highlight the need for a more equitable approach to regional travel subsidies.