Lifestyle Trend: Cheaper flight push for Karratha as FIFO families feel airfare sting You Should Know

A renewed national push to drive down regional airfares has been welcomed by the City of Karratha, with local leaders saying the cost of flying in and out of the Pilbara is putting pressure on families and workers.

Karratha mayor Daniel Scott said the collaboration came at a critical time, with both a Productivity Commission inquiry into regional airfares and a Senate inquiry into the aviation sector now underway.

“Affordable and reliable air travel is not a luxury for our community — it is essential,” he said.

The cost of flights between Karratha and Perth has long been a sore point for residents and FIFO workers, who rely on travel to maintain work rosters, access services and stay connected to family.

The WA Government’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme limits the maximum one-way fare eligible residents can pay on flights to and from Perth.

Depending on distance and demand, capped fare range from under $200 to just under $400 one way.

While the extension of the capped fares program has been welcomed, mayor Scott said affordability remained a major concern.

“Flying to and from Karratha remains too expensive, impacting livability, workforce attraction and connectivity,” he said.

“Our residents were clear in the annual community survey. Airfares are already too expensive for families to travel to Perth.

“The recent increase to the capped price and ongoing high demand costs show airfares are still placing pressure on our community.”

The City will support submissions to both federal inquiries, arguing the Pilbara’s heavy reliance on air travel — including by the resource sector — makes reform urgent.

Karratha is also continuing to push for international status for its airport, arguing direct overseas connections would boost trade, investment and workforce mobility in the region.

“There is a strong national economic case for international status at Karratha Airport,” mayor Scott said.

The federal inquiries are expected to examine competition, pricing transparency and long term sustainability of regional aviation.

The City of Karratha has been contacted for comment.