Affordable Airfares Program to support Cyclone Narelle recovery

• The Cook Government's Affordable Airfares Program returns in 2026
• Increases affordability of regional travel, helping regional communities recover after Cyclone Narelle
• Reduced cost flights between Perth and Broome, Exmouth and Kununurra
• Program supports the regional tourism sector, local jobs and businesses, and contributes to the State's economic diversification

The Cook Government is ensuring travellers can access cheaper flights to Western Australia's regional destinations thanks to the Affordable Airfares Program - supporting tourism operators, local businesses and communities recovering from Cyclone Narelle.

Supported through Tourism WA, the discount flight initiative returns in 2026 as a targeted measure to improve the affordability of regional travel and support visitation to key tourism towns, with many WA businesses ready to welcome visitors in the wake of Cyclone Narelle.

By improving access to Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth, the program will help stimulate demand for accommodation, tours, hospitality and retail - providing a welcome boost to regions impacted by Cyclone Narelle and helping to make travel to regional WA even easier for visitors.

As part of this year's program, funding has been allocated to support discounted fares on Qantas, Virgin Australia and Airnorth services between Perth and Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth and Broome and Kununurra.

With tickets now available, the Affordable Airfares Program (AAP) offers:

• Airfares from Perth to Broome from $179 and $199 one-way with Virgin Australia;
• Airfares from Perth to Exmouth from $199 and $209 one-way with Qantas; and
• Airfares from Perth to Kununurra from $259 one way with Virgin Australia.

The program will also support air travel to future regional events in 2026 by increasing the number of discount fares available over key event periods, including the Ord Valley Muster in Kununurra and Shinju Matsuri in Broome.

Since its inception in 2018, the Affordable Airfares Program has sold nearly 178,000 fares, including over 28,000 in 2025 for services between Perth and Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth.

The Affordable Airfares Program is in addition to the Cook Government's flagship Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, which supports regional residents with cost-of-living pressures by capping the total cost of flights to and from Perth.

The Cook Government has also launched a $1.45 million Tourism Business Support Package to provide immediate financial support to eligible tourism businesses impacted by Cyclone Narelle.

As part of the package, a consumer voucher program has been launched to help drive more visitors to the Coral Coast alongside targeted marketing campaigns encouraging bookings.

The Tourism Business Support Package and voucher program complements the one-off disaster relief payments of up to $4,000, and loan interest subsidies for businesses already available, for those who lost homes or business assets from the severe weather event.

The new Premier's Natural Disaster Recovery Fund has also been activated for the first time to provide critical financial support to those recovering from Ex-Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle with small businesses and community groups eligible for a minimum of $5,000 to help with repairs and recovery.

For more information, visit tourism.wa.gov.au/AffordableAirfaresProgram

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

"The Affordable Airfares Program helps drive visitation to WA's regional destinations, making it easier and more affordable for travellers to explore our state, while strengthening the tourism sector as part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy.

"As communities recover from Cyclone Narelle, supporting tourism operators, local businesses and jobs is a top priority for the Cook Government, and is critical to rebuilding regional economies.

"Many WA businesses remain ready to welcome visitors after Cyclone Narelle, and we encourage people to continue to travel and support local businesses, as we know the vital role visitors play for regional recovery.

"With more than 178,000 tickets sold since the Affordable Airfares Program began in 2018 - including 28,000 in 2025 alone - the program continues to deliver significant savings for travellers, which can be reinvested in tourism and hospitality businesses during their trip, helping grow tourism in some of WA's most beautiful and remote areas."

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Regional tourism is an important part of WA's economy, and this program is about making it more affordable for people to visit our regions and support local jobs.

"Through the Budget, we are continuing to invest in practical measures that support businesses, strengthen regional communities and keep our economy strong.

"This is a targeted investment that will help drive visitors to Broome, Kununurra and Exmouth, supporting local operators as these communities recover and rebuild."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Our regions offer unforgettable tourism experiences, and the local businesses that support visitors play a vital role in creating jobs and driving regional economies.

"Following the impact of Cyclone Narelle, we know businesses and communities need practical support to recover and rebuild. That is why the Cook Government is lending support with measures such as the Affordable Airfares Program.

"This initiative supports local operators, encourages visitors to return, and ensures our regions remain connected, resilient and open for business."