New route launches in Australia with overseas fares starting from $189

A new route out of Australia is set to launch by July, with the airline spruiking overseas fares from just $189 for travellers.

A new route out of Australia is set to launch by July, with the airline spruiking overseas fares from just $189.

AirAsia Malaysia announced that they will launch a new non-stop service between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur from June 27 — a route the region has not seen since Jetstar exited in 2022.

Operating four times each week, the new route will give residents of the Northern Territory direct service to Asia, with connections to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and India.

The route between Darwin and KL would mark the carrier’s second route since launching March 2024, with the first operating between Kuala Lumpur and Perth Airport.

Meanwhile, its sister airline AirAsia X, offers flights to Melbourne Airport, Perth, and Sydney.

“We welcome this important milestone for AirAsia to reconnect Darwin with the global capital city of Kuala Lumpur,” Robyn Cahill OAM, Australian Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations said.

Malaysia's Budget carrier AirAsia has launched a new Australian route – to Malaysia/

“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.”

CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, said the new route will create “greater opportunities” for both leisure and business travellers to “explore one of Australia’s most vibrant and unique destinations”.

The Darwin route will allow Territorians access to Asia beyond Bali. Picture: Alan Barber

Darwin has been seen as a hidden gem for Malaysians and travellers across Southeast Asia. Picture: AFP/Mohd Rasfan

“At the same time, we are opening a new gateway to Asia and beyond for ‘Territorians’ in the Top End of Australia,” he said.

“As adventure travel continues to grow in popularity, we see Darwin as a hidden gem for Malaysians and travellers across Southeast Asia, offering a distinctive experience beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Thew new route will operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Picture: istock

“With our seamless Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur, Darwin is now more accessible than ever for travellers from key markets within our network, including Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, South Korea, and beyond,” Mazputra added.

The new route, which will operate on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, will see almost 100,000 seats annually between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur.

“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,” Cahill added.

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