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Australia’s domestic economy fares on the rise this month
March 23rd 2026
Australia’s domestic passengers travelling in the economy cabin are facing higher airfares this month compared with a year earlier, local data reveals. Read More » Figures published by Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) show the measure of best discount economy fares has risen 9.7%, or 6.3 index points, to 71 points in March. The measure of restricted economy fares was up 0.1 index points, at 56 points. Virgin Australia (VA) said late last week it had raised domestic fares by about 5% due to the rising cost of jet fuel, local media reported, citing comments from an airline spokesperson. Qantas Airways and Jetstar Airways have announced airfare increases on their international network. On a more positive note for travellers, the BITRE measure of business class airfares fell 4.4% year-on-year to 52.6 points. "The series is a price index of the lowest available fare in each fare class weighted over selected routes," BITRE said. "It does not measure real airline yields or average fares paid by passengers."
