Qantas, Virgin: Kimberley region says airlines are holding regional towns to ransom

AIRLINES are “crippling” WA’s regional towns and cities with blatant gouging on ticket prices, a Government inquiry into high airfares will be told.

Premier Mark McGowan announced the inquiry, to be led by the Economics and Industry Standing Committee, examining regional airfares and their impact on communities, businesses and tourism.

A not-yet-public submission, obtained by The Sunday Times, from the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, slams the airlines and accuses them of holding the Kimberley tourism town to ransom.

“Broome recently experienced an extreme case where there were no seats available on any flight from Broome to Perth for five consecutive days … the cheapest option to fly on Sunday, July 15, being $5861 to fly via Melbourne,” the submission from chamber chief executive Jael Napper said.

“It’s the firm belief of the Broome Chamber that the reason for the unusually high airfares is lack of competition on the route. Qantas and Virgin are in a comfort zone where there is no threat of disruption.

Source: Qantas, Virgin: Kimberley region says airlines are holding regional towns to ransom | Perth Now