AirAsia’s Territory return promises big things for the Top End

A Southeast Asian airline has made its long-awaited return to the Territory. Read what happened.

The first AirAsia flight into the Northern Territory since 2018 was at capacity when it touched down at Darwin airport on Saturday afternoon.

Air Asia chief executive Veranita Yosephine, who travelled to Darwin from Denpasar on board the airline’s first NT flight in seven years on Saturday, said the first two flights would be full.

She said the service pointed to latent demand from the Territory’s travelling public and would also boost international arrivals.

Stewardess Najla Anisa, Rob Porter Airport Development Group, Minister Robyn Cahill, Veranita Yosephine CEO AirAsia Indonesia, Bagus Hendraning Indonesia Consul NT and Yuki Sukma. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Indonesia AirAsia’s arrival will boost the Northern Territory’s tourism industry and help

attract more international visitors,” Ms Yosephine said.

“We are confident this important and strategic connection will have flow on benefits for

local businesses by increasing visitation to restaurants and retail stores and increasing

tourism experience bookings.

“We welcome Territorians on board as we deliver great value services direct to Bali and

from there onto many exciting destinations across our vast network of over 130

destinations.

“Our fly-through connecting services via Bali including to Hong Kong and Jakarta are great value fares.”

Airport Development Group executive general manager Rob Porter said the new route opened up the world beyond Southeast Asia.

Erwan Defever, Mahe Bouhot welcomes Kevin Carre to Darwin on the first AirAsia flight from Bali to Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We are thrilled to welcome Indonesia AirAsia back to Darwin, providing a fantastic option for explorers to visit the Top End or connect seamlessly to Asia and beyond,” Mr Porter said.

“Strengthening international air links is key to growing tourism, business and trade

opportunities, and this service delivers on all fronts.

“Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and this connection makes it even easier

for visitors to experience the incredible offerings of the Northern Territory, while giving

Territorians a direct and affordable link to Southeast Asia.”

Business Minister Robyn Cahill welcomed the airline’s return.

“We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia back to Darwin today,” she said.

“The Northern Territory Government is focused on pursuing new airlines and investing in our aviation sector to bring more people into the Territory and provide more options for Territorians.

Darwin childcare worker Priscilla Dovalle Cervantes and her daughter Libelula are headed for Malaysia.

“This new route further strengthens the Northern Territory’s connection with Indonesia

and will unlock new business and tourism opportunities between our two regions.”

Meanwhile, a Saturday morning visit to a Darwin shopping centre paid dividends for Jingili childcare worker and mum Priscilla Dovalle Cervantes, who walked away with a free AirAsia ticket to Malaysia.

Ms Dovalle Cervantes was one of four lucky Top End residents to win an AirAsia promotion held at Casuarina Square ahead of the airline’s launch of its Darwin-Kuala Lumpur service on June 27.

With fares starting at just $189, the new service will connect Territorians with flights to Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Phuket, Bangkok and Colombo.

Ms Dovalle Cervantes now expects to travel with her 15-month old daughter Libelula and partner Brendan to the Malaysian capital in July.

“I feel very excited about this, it’s my first big win,” she said.

The promotion will continue until 4pm on Saturday. An additional 10 Territorians won free seats on board Saturday afternoon’s flight to Denpasar.