Qantas has no current plans to extend its regional airfare discounts to Wagga under a program to help residents afford flights to capital cities.
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The airline, which operates the Qantaslink service out of Wagga airport, announced on Tuesday that it had added more locations to its discounted fares program for rural residents.
Qantas will spend an extra $10 million each year in providing flight discounts for Frequent Flyer members in 16 towns across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, capping costs at $800 return.
A Qantas spokesperson said the program, which offers 20 to 30 per cent discounts via a special booking website, would not expand to new regions.
"The discounted fares program applies in selected regional cities where residents compete with a very high proportion of travel from the resources sector travel or are impacted by their remoteness with limited transport options," the spokesperson said.
"Residents in these towns face higher fares particularly during peak periods and at the last minute which is why these additional discounts have been introduced.
"We don't have plans to extend the program beyond the towns who are already part of it."
Committee 4 Wagga chief executive Alan Johnston said he would "always welcome cheaper flights" for the city but he could understand why the airline would prioritise its "philanthropic" program.
"You could make the case that this program might be needed in far west NSW," he said.
"But I don't think they are going to focus on charitable discounts for areas within an hour's flight of a capital city."
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A Qantas spokesperson said that the company's flights at Wagga could regularly be booked for less than $200, even outside of specials.
"This week there are last minute fares available from Wagga Wagga to Sydney for $188 one way," the spokesperson said.
"Our year-round lead in fares in Wagga Wagga start at $187 and we also have sales throughout the year."
Qantas also listed evening Wagga to Sydney flights this week for $530 and $617 for a one-way journey aimed at passengers requiring flexibility to schedule their journey.