The AirAsia group has made a strong return to the NT with two new direct international services from Darwin to Bali and to Kuala Lumpur announced.

This is the first time since 2017 Darwin will have a direct service
to Malaysia, providing Territorians a low-cost option to travel to a major Southeast Asian hub.

The new route will also strengthen the Territory’s trade partnerships, visitor economy
and investment opportunities.

After a seven-year hiatus, Indonesia AirAsia direct Darwin to Bali service is back, further opening up the NT to Asia and the rest of the world.

It will enable the NT to connect with more than four billion people in the region who may want to visit, study, do business or live and work here.

Indonesia AirAsia chief executive Veranita Yosephine says the airline is thrilled to return to the NT, bringing more value and choice for consumers in the Top End of Australia.

“Bali is now our largest hub in terms of flight capacity, driven by strong demand,” she says. “These direct flights will cater to the enduring popularity of Bali as a destination for Australians and offer great low-fare connection to over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network.”

The NT is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia and the Indo-Pacific and is closer
to key Asian markets than any other part of Australia.

AirAsia’s Group investment in Darwin reinforces the NT’s strong and growing travel demand, creating business opportunities for airline partners.

Central Australia will also benefit from increased aviation connectivity with Airnorth direct flights
from Alice Springs–Cairns. This announcement follows on from Airnorth’s successful launch of its Perth–Alice Springs route in 2024.

This strategic link means travellers from key international markets
can experience the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Centre in one seamless travel itinerary.

It also means Alice Springs residents now have access to more one-stop international destinations, including Hong Kong (seasonally), Fiji and Japan – improving the liveability of the region.

Airnorth chief executive Daniel Bowden says: “We are thrilled to expand our network with the addition of the Cairns to Alice Springs service. This route connects key regions of Australia, facilitating economic growth and creating opportunities for tourism and business.”

Rounding out the four announcements, Jetstar will commence a new direct seasonal service between
Darwin and the Gold Coast.

The new service complements the three airlines serving the Brisbane-Darwin route.

Jetstar’s new Gold Coast route will expand options for travellers between Darwin and greater southeast Queensland or northern New South Wales.

Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully says it is great to be providing more budget friendly holiday options for customers.

“This new seasonal service will provide a direct connection between Darwin and the Gold Coast, eliminating the need for people to transit through other cities making it much easier and affordable for travellers to fly between the Northern Territory and Queensland.”

Airport Development Group chief executive Tony Edmondstone says the new routes strengthen connectivity to the Territory, opening up more travel and tourism options while supporting local businesses.

“We look forward to welcoming more visitors and providing Territorians with greater travel options.”

As the NT aviation sector expands, Territorians, travellers and tourism operators are primed to benefit from improved connectivity to our region, greater choice and more access to competitive airfares.

Increased aviation capacity and connectivity will grow our visitor economy, rebuild the NT economy and restore our lifestyle.

The Northern Territory Government, in partnership with Territory airports, continues to pursue new airlines and investing in our aviation sector to bring more people into the NT and provide more options for Territorians. TQ