Qantas Teams Up with Virgin Australia and Airnorth to Cut Fares as Low as $260 for Cyclone Narelle Recovery – Why This Game-Changing Initiative is Poised to Reignite Tourism in Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth While Drawing International Visitors from the UK, China, Japan, and Singapore

Western Australia's government has stepped up with a powerful recovery initiative following the devastation of Cyclone Narelle — the Affordable Airfares Program. Backed by three of Australia's leading carriers, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth, the program slashes one-way fares to Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth to as little as $260. The ambitious plan is designed to breathe new life into regional tourism, stabilise local economies, and roll out the welcome mat for international visitors arriving from the UK, China, Japan, and Singapore. With affordability now front and centre, these once hard-to-reach destinations are set to experience a powerful tourism rebound.

Beyond just lowering ticket prices, this initiative forms the backbone of the state government's wider strategy to revive economic activity and restore confidence among tourism operators in cyclone-battered communities. A wave of international travellers is now expected to flow into these regional gems, injecting crucial revenue back into local businesses that have been struggling since Narelle's impact.

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What Triggered the Need for This Program

Cyclone Narelle hit Western Australia's regional communities hard, leaving key tourism destinations like Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth reeling from property damage, business disruptions, and a dramatic drop in visitor numbers. The economic slowdown that followed pushed many local operators to the edge, as tourism — the lifeblood of these areas — dried up almost overnight.

Recognising the urgency, the Western Australian government moved swiftly to introduce the Affordable Airfares Program. The core idea is straightforward: make it cheaper and easier to fly into these regions, spark renewed traveller interest, and give local economies the shot in the arm they desperately need. The program targets both domestic holidaymakers and international tourists, creating a broad net of potential visitors to support the recovery.

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Airlines and Regions at the Heart of the Program

The initiative focuses on three regional destinations that bore the brunt of Cyclone Narelle's disruption:

• Broome
• Kununurra
• Exmouth

Three airlines have stepped forward to make this program a reality:

• Qantas
• Virgin Australia
• Airnorth

Each carrier is offering one-way fares under $260, representing a significant reduction from standard pricing. These cuts are expected to rapidly lift passenger numbers on routes that saw demand collapse following the cyclone. Greater accessibility means stronger connectivity — and stronger connectivity is the first step toward a full economic recovery for these communities.

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How Passengers Stand to Gain

The fare reductions are set to reshape travel behaviour, making these destinations attractive to a much wider pool of visitors. Here's what passengers — both local and international — can expect:

• Lower Cost of Travel: Fares under $260 dramatically lower the financial barrier, opening up Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth to travellers who previously found these routes too expensive to consider.
• Increased Flight Options: With Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth all on board, passengers benefit from more frequent departures and flexible scheduling, making it far easier to plan a trip.
• Wider Regional Access: For international visitors from the UK, China, Japan, and Singapore, these affordable fares unlock corners of Western Australia that rarely feature on conventional travel itineraries — a major drawcard for adventurous global tourists.

The added bonus? Travellers get to explore some of Australia's most breathtaking and uncrowded landscapes while actively contributing to the recovery of communities that need it most.

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How the Airline Industry Is Responding

All three participating airlines have embraced the program enthusiastically, viewing it as both a civic responsibility and a smart business move. Routes to Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth took a significant hit in demand after the cyclone, and the fare reductions offer a practical path back to viable passenger loads.

Complementing the airfare initiative, the government has also unveiled a $1.45 million Tourism Business Support Package — direct financial assistance for eligible tourism operators in cyclone-affected areas. This funding ensures that local businesses can keep their doors open and be ready to welcome the anticipated surge of visitors. Together, the airfare program and the business support package form a comprehensive, two-pronged recovery strategy.

The coordinated response from both government and industry sends a clear message: Western Australia's regional tourism sector is open, resilient, and ready for visitors.

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What Travellers Should Do Right Now

Planning to take advantage of these discounted fares? Here's how to make the most of the opportunity:

• Check Flight Availability: Head to the official websites of Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth to browse available flights to Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth. Seats at these prices are expected to move fast.
• Book Early: Secure your preferred travel dates as soon as possible. Peak periods will see high demand, and early booking is the best way to lock in the lowest fares.
• Hunt for Extra Deals: Beyond the discounted airfares, keep an eye out for bundled promotions and local business offers that could stretch your travel budget even further.
• Stay Updated on Local Conditions: Recovery efforts are still ongoing in some areas. Monitor the Western Australian government's official website for any travel advisories or regional updates before you depart.
• Spend Local: Once you land, make a conscious effort to support the businesses rebuilding from the cyclone — book with local tour operators, eat at neighbourhood restaurants, and pick up locally made souvenirs.

Every dollar spent in these communities helps accelerate recovery and keeps the region's tourism industry on the path forward.

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Routes and Fare Breakdown

Here's a full overview of the routes currently included in the Affordable Airfares Program:

Airline	Route	One-Way Fare
Qantas	Perth to Broome	$179–$199
Virgin Australia	Perth to Exmouth	$199–$209
Airnorth	Perth to Kununurra	$259
Qantas	Broome to Kununurra	$199
Airnorth	Perth to Broome	$179–$199

These routes have been carefully selected to maximise accessibility to the regions hardest hit by Cyclone Narelle, giving travellers multiple options for reaching some of WA's most spectacular destinations.

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FAQ

1. What is the Affordable Airfares Program? It is a Western Australian government initiative designed to support tourism recovery in areas affected by Cyclone Narelle. The program offers one-way flights to Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth starting at $260, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to return to the region.

2. Which airlines are part of the program? Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth are the three participating carriers, each offering reduced fares on routes to Western Australia's cyclone-affected regional destinations.

3. How long are the discounted fares available? The reduced fares are available for a limited period. Travellers are strongly encouraged to book early, as high demand — particularly during peak travel windows — may limit availability.

4. Can travellers from overseas use this program? Absolutely. International visitors from countries including the UK, China, Japan, and Singapore are eligible to benefit from the discounted fares, making a trip to regional Western Australia more viable than ever before.

5. Where can I book flights under this program? Visit the official booking pages of Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth directly. Booking in advance is recommended to secure both the best price and your preferred travel dates.

The Affordable Airfares Program represents far more than a temporary discount — it is a lifeline for Western Australia's regional communities, a catalyst for tourism recovery, and an open invitation to the world to discover the raw, remarkable beauty of Broome, Kununurra, and Exmouth.

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Disclaimer: Aviation schedules, tourism statistics, and travel advisories are subject to rapid change. Always verify information with official airline, government, or tourism authority sources before making travel or business decisions.