AirAsia direct Darwin to Kuala Lumpur flights revolutionise travel
A new flight service from the Territory to Kuala Lumpur is set to revolutionise travel to Asia and beyond from the Top End of Australia.
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A new flight service from the Territory to Kuala Lumpur is set to revolutionise travel to Asia and beyond from the Top End of Australia.
For the first time since Jetstar Asia exited in 2022, Territorians will again have access to a budget friendly airline with AirAsia’s direct service to Kuala Lumpur providing a gateway to-Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India that’s easier on the wallet.
Eliminating the reliance once placed on connections from other Australian cities, in just five hours travellers can find themselves at one of the largest travel hubs in South East Asia.
Now just a stones-throw away, winter getaways such as long weekends in the Lion City of Singapore, mouth-watering food adventures in Ho Chi Minh City and the bustling nightlife of Bangkok, have never been closer to Darwin’s doorstep.
A major part of AirAsia Malaysia’s expanding network in Australia, the new route will increase the airline’s presence in the region, whilst providing a valuable commercial link between the two countries.
Just a short flight to the Malaysian capital, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said the route also highlights Darwin’s appeal as a unique destination for Southeast Asian travellers and business. “The commencement of this service has further reinforced our commitment to enhancing international con-nectivity from Malaysia,” Mr Mazputra said.
“Especially as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, we are facilitating regional connectivity and offering more travel options for leisure, tourism and trade between both nations.”
Since March 2024, AirAsia Malaysia has also launched Kuala Lumpur–Perth flights to support its sister airline, AirAsia Indonesia, due to a strong demand by Australian travellers.
The airline group now serves Cairns, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
With Darwin becoming the sixth city to provide a conduit to Asia for Australian travellers, the Top End is set to become a turnstile for Australian travel through to Asia and open up huge economic possibilities.
With flights beginning late June, the uptake for Asian and Australian travel has already shown encouraging results.
Charted flights thus far have already hit 90 per cent passenger load both ways and with continued support from travelers, the airline has high hopes for the route which flies four times weekly.
“The launch of the latest Darwin-Kuala Lumpur route marks an important milestone for our international expansion, further driving tourism, trade and cultural exchange between both nations,” Mr Mazputra, CEO said.
“Starting from 27 June 2025, AirAsia Malaysia will operate 4 weekly flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Darwin route, offering more than 1,488 seats weekly at great value for the guests”
Rob Porter, Executive General Manager, Airports for Airport Development Group says the route has been a long timing coming and encourages Territorians to take advantage of the option. Simply put, if travellers don’t support these services, they may not last.
“It’s been a lot of hard work,” he said, “These things just don’t happen overnight and working with government and other stakeholders, to pull this off has been quite remarkable.
“With support from travellers, his will help cement Darwin’s position as a key international gateway and we are working closely with AirAsia to grow this service and explore future opportunities for expansion.”
A WORLD AWAY IN LESS TIME THAN IT TAKES TO WATCH A MOVIE
In the time it takes to binge a few episodes of your favourite television show, you can now find yourself in the gateway to South East Asia, sipping cocktails and sampling sumptuous Asian delicacies.
A world of opportunities has been swung open by AirAsia’s Darwin-Kuala Lumpur route, making affordable getaways and dream destinations a reality.
Gone are the days of travelling to Sydney or Perth to connect to the rest of the world.
Just five hours in the air from Darwin is all it takes to put you within grasp of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and rich cultural experiences.
With the airline offering seamless service, travellers will no longer need to collect or re-check in baggage during transit, which is checked through until its final destination.
Kuala Lumpur is as little as one hour from some of Asia’s most desirable holiday spots.
With the new flight route, Territorians are being urged to no longer put their tropical holidays on ice and travel to Malaysia and fly-Thru to a raft of destinations within Air Asia’s extensive network of Southeast, as well as North and Central Asia.
130 different destinations are on offer once arriving in Kuala Lumpur including popular Australian getaways such as Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, China and the increasingly popular South Korea. Operating four times a week, AirAsia Malaysia will provide almost 80,000 seats annually between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur.
Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, highlighted the airline’s goal to open up South-East Asia market even further to Australia.
“Australia has always been one of our key markets and over the last year, we have carried over 600,000 passengers between both countries,” he said. “The launch of the latest Darwin-Kuala Lumpur route marks an important milestone for our international expansion, further driving tourism, trade and cultural exchange between both nations.”
Providing affordable holiday options for Top End travellers, it will also open doors to investment, trade and visitors to our own backyard.
“With our seamless Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur, travellers from across Asia, including Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, and South Korea, can now easily access Darwin and experience the wonders of Australia’s Top End,” he added.
The venture, between the Northern Territory Government, Airport Development Group and AirAsia is supported under the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme and exciting and budget friendly deals to see Territorians utilise the route are being offered.
5 THINGS TO FLY AND TRY
Spice things up
There’s no better way to understand a destinations culture than diving in to local cuisines.
With roots in Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines, Malaysian food is a broad snapshot of the best Asia has to offer from comforting bowls of curry laksa, spicy nasi goreng to smoky and charred satays fresh off-the-grill, a Malaysian meal is worth travelling for.
Petronas Towers
It’s hard to miss the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of the centre which was made famous in the 1999 heist film Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Now a hub of shopping, arts and entertainment, the towers are the heartbeat of the bustling city and the first stop for many tourists.
Downtown Chinatown
Formerly known as ‘Market Square’, Petaling Street is a must see destination for local street food and shopping.
Busy during the early morning hours, the area truly comes alive in the evening as thousands enjoy snacking on small dim sum dishes are whilst soaking up the colourful markets.
Bukit Bintang
The area is often referred to as a culinary wonderland of Kuala Lumpur renowned for its sumptuous and spicy street food
After a day of shopping high end brands, visitors can enjoy the nightlife as it heats up with a concentrated hub of bars, clubs and live music venues swinging open their doors.
Kuala Kubu Bharu
Break away from the bustling city and take a shot of adrenaline with paragliding and water rafting activities a swim at the waterfalls, stargaze at the Selangor Dam or hike at the majestic mountains.
Originally published as AirAsia direct Darwin to Kuala Lumpur flights revolutionise travel
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