Airnorth launches Alice Spring sto Cairns flights

Tourism Central Australia said Airnorth’s new service opened up international opportunties for the Territory. Read why.

Airnorth will link Cairns and Alice Springs.

April’s commencement of Airnorth flights between Alice Springs and Cairns has opened the Red Centre to unprecedented international visitor access.

Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford said when the new service began on April 14, it would be another international gateway into the town.

He called on Australians to travel to the Territory this year after two years of tourism pain as issues around crime and anti-social behaviour took hold, particularly in Alice Springs.

“It’s no secret that Alice Springs has had our fair share of challenges over the last few years, but I say it here and say it now that 2025 is going to be the year of tourism in Central Australia,” Mr Rochford said.

“What this new service does is connect us to the world through this international gateway of Cairns. It is one stop to Alice Springs from Central Australia through Asian ports from Japan and the like.

Airnorth launches Alice Springs Cairns service

“This is going to be a huge boost to our regional economy. It’s going to be great news for our locals in Alice Springs because we’re going to be able to get amongst it by going to Western Australia.”

Mr Rochford praised the work of Airport Development Group - which owns Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs airports - as well as Airnorth and the NT Government.

“This is a perfect example of how team Territory should work,” Mr Rochford said.

“ADG, the NT Government and Airnorth and the local community working as one to make a real difference. I cannot stress how important this is for my community in Alice Springs.”

He assured visitors to Central Australia the crime issues were being tackled due to the government’s efforts to resolve the issue.

“There’s no doubt the government of the Northern Territory has thrown the kitchen sink at our crime and anti-social issues,” he said.

“We’re seeing a noteicable difference on the ground and I guess what that does for the tourism industry is it allows us the oppokrtunity to get on the front foot.

“For the last few years we have ben splashed across national headlines and now we are able to showcase all the amazing posivite things our town is so proud of and I can’t but thank the government for the work they’re doing not just on announcments like today, but all the work they do for the local community.

“It is making a big difference.

“We’re seeing less crime and we’re seeing the physical police presence on the ground and we’re seeing a real noticeable difference in the mindset.

“I know it can be all encomapassing these issues but we are now starting to see hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The new service will operate three times a week using Airnorth’s Embraer E190 jets, which carry 100 passengers. Fares will open at $299.

Originally published as Airnorth launches Alice Spring sto Cairns flights