Saffioti slams Qantas flight fracas

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has taken a swipe at Qantas while promoting the delay-marred $1.9 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link, conceding the continuation of flight disruptions could harm the state’s tourism push.

The 8.5-kilometre airport rail line, one of the largest projects in the Metronet program, is set to open in four weeks; servicing 85 per cent of flights and supporting the state government’s post-pandemic tourism initiatives.

Just 24 hours after Tourism WA unveiled its $15 million 'Walking on a Dream' marketing campaign, Premier Mark McGowan announced $175 flights to WA with Qantas.

The partnership comes just weeks after the national carrier offered $50 discounts to customers affected by its recent flight delays, cancellations, staffing shortages and misplaced baggage.

But with news flight disruptions in Geraldton could continue next month, Minister Saffioti called on Qantas to do whatever it could to reduce cancellations.

She highlighted that it was Qantas boss Alan Joyce who called for an end to the state’s hard border, famously claiming the one-month delay alone cost the airline $60 million.

“I think it's a real shame and pity that that's happening, particularly in WA,” she said.

“I do hope that they can get the cancellation numbers down and make sure that people can have more predictable holidays or trips. 

“I just urge them to do whatever they can to reduce the number of cancellations because it does impact everyone's experience, and of course, can impact our tourism into the future. 

“Remember, it was the airline that was calling for the borders to be open. 

“They opened and we'd like them now to make sure that they can fly.

“They were very, very keen to make sure that the borders were open so they could get back to normal, and we want things to get back to normal.”

While declining to weigh in on commentary around the management of Qantas, Ms Saffioti said she was eager to see it get back to delivering reliable services.

Both the City of Geraldton and the Mid West Chamber of Commerce have called on Qantas to reverse capacity reductions on flights in and out of the regional centre, which have been in place since June.

A Qantas spokesperson said airlines across the country were reducing capacity to improve operational performance amid industry-wide challenges, but that Qantas intended to double daily flights when its operation stabilises.