Landing fees to be waived for Exmouth flights

A Karratha business group has welcomed the Shire of Roebourne’s decision to waive landing fees for planned Qantas flights between the Pilbara town and Exmouth.

Last week, the Pilbara News reported the council was considering a request by Qantas to waive the fees for proposed return flights three times a week.

Council president Fiona White-Hartig said the proposal by Qantas had been endorsed at last week’s meeting along with the request to waive landing fees for the service.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive John Lally said the decision was great news for Karratha businesses and residents who enjoyed holidaying in Exmouth.

“Exmouth people will be able to come to Karratha a lot easier for shopping and medical visits while Karratha people can use the Monday and Friday flights to go to Exmouth for the weekend and save a six-hour drive,” he said.

“By the Shire waiving the landing fees hopefully it will allow Qantas to keep the prices low.”

Mr Lally said the 20-minute flights would hopefully cost about $135 to $150.

Ms White-Hartig said there were a number of potential benefits associated with the proposal.

“In recognition of the Shire’s proposed contribution to the service, council endorsed a proposal to seek co-branding of the first six to nine months to be provided at Qantas’ cost,” she said.

The proposal for flights between Karratha and Exmouth follows a joint survey by the KDCCI and the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce to gauge community support.