Qantas won't commit to more flights,
cheaper fares during three-day ferry shutdown
By DANIEL CLARKE
14/08/26
Qantas has refused to answer whether it believes an almost $700 flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide is fair and would not commit to cheaper fares or extra flights during the upcoming three day ferry shutdown.
The company also refused to confirm whether it knew about the September shutdown before the Island Independent contacted it for comment this morning.
Islanders expressed shock and anger today when it was revealed airfares have spiked exorbitantly for travel from September 1-3 during which infrastructure works will be carried out at Penneshaw and Cape Jervis ports, shutting the SeaLink ferry service.
Specifically, the 40-minute flight from Kingscote to Adelaide on Thursday 3 September is currently being sold for $671. Similar prices are being advertised for journeys in the opposite direction.
The Island Independent put the below questions to Qantas about the price rises during the September dates:
Why have prices for those particular days risen so steeply?
Is a $500 increase on a normal $200 ticket a reasonable and fair scaling price change?
Was Qantas aware that there is no way on or off the island via ferry between Sept 1-3?
Will Qantas reduce fairs or add extra flights during this timeframe to assist community during this time?
Does this sort of price increase during ferry interruptions amount to price gouging?
The company’s response was as follows:
We know how important affordable travel is for Kangaroo Island residents.
For Kangaroo Island to Adelaide services between Tuesday 1 September and Thursday 3 September, demand is much higher than usual because ferry infrastructure works mean air travel is the only way to move between the island and the mainland and some of our flights are almost sold out.
As at 4pm on Friday 14 August on Qantas.com there are still one-way flights available on Monday 31 August and Friday 4 September for $225, and Tuesday 1 September for $369.
As is the case with all airlines, the last seats on the plane are usually the most expensive, and when possible we recommend customers book ahead to get the best deals.
We will continue to monitor demand and make adjustments to capacity where possible. Our regular fares between Adelaide to Kangaroo Island start from $199 one way. Last month, Qantas had sale fares as low as $99 between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.