Western Australia’s newest airline took to the skies today for its first commercial flight on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN).
Nexus Airlines departed from Geraldton on Monday morning on the newly expanded IRFN route, which operates between Geraldton-Karratha-Port Hedland-Broome and return. The route serves the needs of regional residents by allowing them to fly direct between regional centres, instead of having to travel through Perth.
State Government investment of $4.05 million over four years is supporting the new link between Geraldton and Karratha and has allowed the airline to invest in higher-capacity 76-seater aircraft to reduce airfares and increase passenger comfort.
“Today’s first flight on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network by Nexus Airlines marks a historic moment for aviation services in WA,” said Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“Our Government is committed to working productively with airlines to improve aviation access and affordability for regional Western Australians as demonstrated through the successful Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
“The commencement of Nexus services is another example of how this approach is helping to grow our state’s regional aviation services for the benefit of regional people,” she said.

Nexus Airlines has exclusive rights to operate the IRFN until June 2027 under a four-year deed of agreement with the State Government. The agreement outlines the requirements to operate on the route, including providing appropriate service levels and fares.
The expansion of the IRFN and the improved services offered by Nexus Airlines are expected to create significant new business and tourism opportunities for the Mid West, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Nexus Airlines’ Geraldton-Perth flights begin on 17 July, with Geraldton residents able to access capped airfares on the route through the State Government’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme.
“It was fantastic to see the first Nexus Airlines flight take off this morning from Geraldton Airport bound for Karratha, Port Headland and Broome!” City of Greater Geraldton Council said in a statement on Monday.
Geraldton MLA, Lara Dalton said she was thrilled to see the first flight taking off on the expanded network and, for the first time, a direct connection between Geraldton and Karratha.
“This is a huge win for people in Geraldton and the Mid West, and highlights the impact of our Government’s ongoing commitment to improve access to air travel in regional WA.”
“The expanded services will not only improve the connectivity between the Mid West and the Pilbara region, but it will also provide a new service between Geraldton and Perth,” she said.