Virgin Australia resumes Darwin-Sydney flights

A leading Australian carrier has handed Top End travellers an early Christmas present. Read what’s flying.

Three years since apologising for the service’s removal and 42-months since it was scrapped, Virgin Australia will reintroduce its Darwin-Sydney flights.

But this time, they’ll be better.

Virgin said flights between “the two iconic Australian destinations” would resume from June 22, 2026, and has promised to match domestic carrier Jetstar by offering daytime flights out of Darwin.

In addition, the airline only plans a temporary Wet Season shutdown - operating services until January 10, 2027 and resuming again in March 2027 “to align with market demand”.

Tickets go on sale at 8am Wednesday, December 10.

The airline said it would operate up to seven return flights per week during peak travel periods, boosting connectivity between New South Wales and the Northern Territory and supporting tourism growth.

Virgin Australia to relaunch direct Sydney-Darwin flights from June 2026.

It’s expected there would be four flights a week in the off-peak season.

In July 2023 Virgin Australia apologised for the quiet removal of the Darwin-Sydney direct route earlier that year.

The expectation was the service would resume during peak season, but instead Virgin stayed silent about its lack of a plan until contacted by the NT News.

At the time, the airline said passenger uptake was 66 per cent down on pre-Covid flights.

Now, Virgin says the reinstated route will make it easier for visitors to experience the Top End, while giving residents more choice and access to competitive fares when travelling to Sydney, New South Wales and southern Australia more generally.

Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia’s chief strategy and transformation officer, said the route’s return reflected the airline’s commitment to providing choice and convenience for travellers.

“We’re excited to reconnect Sydney and Darwin, two destinations that play an important role in Australia’s tourism landscape,” Mr Hartley said.

“Our return to the route will enhance travel options for passengers, drive competition, and reinforce the vital connections between metropolitan centres and regional Australia, with Darwin serving as a key gateway. It will also provide greater flexibility for corporate travellers moving between the two cities.

“The direct service will make it easier for travellers to visit friends and relatives, while delivering a significant tourism boost to both cities.”

Asian Relations and Trade Minister Robyn Cahill welcomed the revived route.

“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable options, so we are delighted by today’s announcement,” Ms Cahill said.

Originally published as Virgin Australia resumes Darwin-Sydney flights