NT flights: AirAsia announce Darwin to Kuala Lumpur flights launching in June, 2025

Darwinites have hit the travel jackpot once more, with a multinational airline set to launch a new direct flight that will allow greater ease of travel to multiple Asian destinations.

Darwinites have hit the travel jackpot once more, with multinational airline AirAsia set to launch a new direct flight service from Darwin to Kuala Lumpur. Picture: AirAsia

Darwinites have hit the travel jackpot once again, with multinational airline AirAsia set to launch a new direct flight service from the Top End capital to Kuala Lumpur in late June.

Tickets will go on sale from March 16, with one-way sale fares available from $189 for a limited time.

The first flight is scheduled to take off on June 27 and will operate four weekly return services on AirAsia’s Airbus A321 aircraft on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The operation of AirAsia Malaysia flights in the Territory’s aviation market is expected to add almost 100,000 seats per year between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia officially returned to the Northern Territory in January. Picture: AirAsia

New international services between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur, and Darwin and Denpasar, will also see AirAsia Group operate seven weekly flights from the Top End capital.

For travel between June 27 and October 25, 2025, fares are available for booking until 30 March 2025.

The announcement, supported under the Territory government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS), comes after AirAsia marked its return to the NT in January.

AirAsia’s decision to return was based on market conditions and without the inducement of subsidies provided under the government’s Aviation Attraction Scheme, this masthead reported.

The route will unlock seamless travel to destinations including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India.

The news follows a string of NT aviation announcements since the start of the year including a new AirAsia service between Darwin and Bali, an Airnorth Service between Alice Springs and Cairns, and a Jetstar service between Darwin and the Gold Coast.

The service between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur is expected to attract 100,000 seats per year. Picture: AirAsia

The new direct service to Malaysia is expected to provide a low-cost option for Territorians to travel to a major Southeast Asian aviation hub for the first time in about 10 years.

AirAsia Malaysia Chief Executive Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said Darwin was an appealing and unique destination for Southeast Asian travellers.

“We are excited to introduce Darwin as our newest Australian destination, providing an affordable gateway to Asia for Territorians while opening up new tourism opportunities for Malaysians and our wider network”, he said.

“Darwin is a hidden gem that offers adventure, stunning natural landscapes, and rich Indigenous culture – making it a perfect addition to our expanding portfolio of Australian destinations.”

Mr Mazputra said Darwin was a “hidden gem” for travellers.

Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Rob Porter welcomed AirAsia and said the service was a significant win for the Territory.

“This route directly responds to demand from our community,” he said.

“Beyond offering greater choice for Territorians, this new link will also strengthen inbound tourism, supporting local businesses and cementing Darwin’s position as a key international gateway.

“We look forward to working closely with AirAsia to grow this service and explore future opportunities for expansion.”

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill said the service would connect Darwin with a global city.

“This will not only improve air accessibility and affordability for Territorians, but will make it easier to invest, visit and do business in the Territory,” Ms Cahill said.

“AirAsia is consistently recognised as amongst the world’s best low-cost airlines, so their decision to invest in Darwin reinforces our bright economic future.

“Air connectivity is a priority for the Territory, so we will now be focused on working with all airline partners to ensure all flights see strong commercial outcomes.”

Originally published as NT flights: AirAsia announce Darwin to Kuala Lumpur flights launching in June, 2025