Local Fares Scheme
Cape York: Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Northern Peninsula, Pormpuraaw and Weipa. Map of local air routes
Since the 1990s, we have facilitated access for the predominately Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Far North Queensland through regulated and subsidised air services.
The Local Fare Scheme (LFS) was established in 2015 and aims to improve the standard of living and connectivity in remote parts of Far North Queensland. The scheme is administered in collaboration with participating airlines and partnerships with local councils throughout Cape York, selected ports in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the Torres Strait.
The Local Fare Scheme offers an airfare discount of up to $400 for return air travel.
Through financial assistance, the scheme allows eligible residents to move around more frequently, enabling social and recreational benefits that in turn will help boost the local economy.
In early 2020, the LFS was also used to enable the repatriation of several displaced people who had left the Far North Queensland community of Aurukun to Cairns during unrest.
