PERTH: Qantas is pulling the plug on its short-lived Perth–Busselton service less than three months after its much-hyped launch, citing unexpectedly low demand. The direct link between Western Australia’s capital and the state’s premier food and wine region began on 27 June, operating three times a week and projected to carry more than 15,000 passengers annually. Tourism leaders had hailed it as a game-changer for the Southwest, promising easier access for both locals and visitors.
But Qantas says the numbers never stacked up. The 45‑minute flights, priced at around $450 return, averaged less than 20 percent seat occupancy, with forward bookings for the upcoming summer peak even lower. “Unfortunately, the demand for flights between Perth and Busselton has been much lower than expected and we’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw from the route,” a spokesperson said, adding that the airline continually reviews its network to ensure “the right aircraft are operating on the right routes.”
The final service will run on 6 October. QantasLink will maintain a limited presence in the region through ad hoc charter flights, while Jetstar will continue its direct services from Sydney and Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River Airport.
The decision is a blow to local hopes. At the inaugural flight’s press conference, City of Busselton representative Maxine Palmer had called the route “a powerful step” toward boosting connectivity, tourism, and economic activity for retailers, hospitality providers, event organisers, and the creative sector.
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