Election 2025: Dutton pledges to allow international airlines to operate domestically out of Darwin
A Dutton Coalition Government has pledged cheaper Top End airfares by removing the laws that prevent foreign airlines from landing in Darwin to collect passengers for domestic destinations.
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A Dutton Coalition Government has pledged cheaper Top End airfares by removing laws that prevent foreign airlines from landing in Darwin to collect passengers for domestic destinations.
It says the removal of cabotage restrictions would only apply to Darwin and allow the international airlines to carry domestic passengers and freight to and from eastern capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said a Coalition federal government would work with the Finocchiaro Northern Territory Government to open Darwin’s skies to “greater competition, reduce airfares, and create new export pathways for local farmers, horticulturalists and fishers”.
She said the initiative, which will be trialled for two years, will supercharge the Northern Territory economy, deliver cheaper, more frequent flights, boost tourism and expand local trade by unlocking Darwin as Australia’s northern aviation gateway.
Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said has backed the plan saying it will deliver Territorians cheaper, more frequent flights, boost tourism and expand local trade by unlocking Darwin as Australia’s northern aviation gateway.
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government supports all measures which are aimed at making it cheaper for Territorians and their loved ones to fly,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Territorians, for too long, have been hit with expensive flight prices and this two-year plan will offer them more options, and it will also help rebuild our economy.”
Senator McKenzie said the Albanese Labor Government had failed to act — protecting major airlines, blocking competition, and ignoring the unique transport needs of Northern Australians.
“The Coalition wants to get the cost of NT flights down to boost tourism and increase options to travel to see family or do business with other states,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Air travel is not a luxury for the Northern Territory — it’s a necessity. This policy is a practical, strategic step to fix what Labor has failed to address: connectivity, competition, and opportunity for the Top End.”
It is estimated allowing international airlines to carry domestic passengers to and from Darwin and the east coast would deliver widespread and lasting economic benefits for both the Northern Territory and the broader Australian economy, including:
• $101 million economic uplift to NT economy, driven by expanded connectivity,
increased tourism, and enhanced exports;
• $209 million growth in NT export revenue;
• 25,000 additional domestic and international tourists visiting the NT;
• $50 million estimated new annual visitor spending;
• $17.4 million growth in horticulture and seafood exports;
• support 35 full-time direct jobs within the NT, with many more created across logistics, tourism, and agriculture.
• $980 million growth in national GDP, increasing exports by $330 million, and support the creation of 355 new jobs across Australia
The CLP’s federal election candidates Lisa Bayliss (Solomon) and Lisa Siebert (Lingiari) said the pledge is a game changer for Territorians who are sick of high airfares and poor service.
They said the plan would deliver better access to services, and connect Territorians to the rest of the country in a way that makes sense
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Originally published as Election 2025: Dutton pledges to allow international airlines to operate domestically out of Darwin
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