Jetstar has flagged an alternative to red-eye flights into Darwin
A major domestic airline has flagged an alternative to red-eye flights to the Territory. Check out the alternatives.
Low-cost Aussie airline Jetstar has dropped an early Christmas present on Territorians – an end to the dreaded red-eye flights out of Darwin – for the time being at least.
And as an extra bonus, the carrier has also announced a major flight sale from Thursday, with fares as low as $120 one-way.
Months after the NT News’ Aviation Roundtable in February brought together key aviation sector players to Darwin to discuss high fares and red-eye flights, one of the major carriers appears to have blinked.
While only temporary, Jetstar said the new flights would be in place until next year and the new times would inform discussions around improved flights going forward.
The move was made possible after Jetstar secured A321ceo aircraft from the airline’s Asian business, which will be based in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Jetstar has exclusively confirmed that from November flights between Darwin, Brisbane and Melbourne will temporarily shift from back-of-clock to earlier afternoon and evening flights.
Jetstar announced that between November 13, 2025 and October 24, 2026 its Darwin-Melbourne flight JQ677 would leave Darwin at 4.50pm instead of the current departure time of 1.55am.
Instead of departing at 10.15pm on return for a 1.05am arrival, Melbourne-Darwin JQ678 will instead leave the Garden State at 1.15pm for a 4.05pm Darwin arrival from November 13.
Instead of a 1.05am departure for Darwin-Brisbane flight JQ674, from November 14 it will depart the NT at 3.55pm from November 14, arriving at 8.15pm.
The return flight will leave Brisbane at 11.40am instead of the 8.30pm timeslot currently scheduled and arrive back at 3.15pm.
“With these flight time and aircraft changes affecting Darwin, total capacity between Darwin and Brisbane and Melbourne will remain stable year-on-year,” Jetstar said.
“While the time changes are not permanent, we will closely monitor route performance as we continue looking for opportunities to improve flight access and further support the NT’s tourism industry.”
Top End Tourism chief executive Samantha Bennett said business and families would be the winners.
“It’s going to be a lot easier to arrive in Brisbane at 8-oclock in the morning and get accommodation and car hire than arriving at 1am,” she said.
In a double win for Territorans, Jetstar is also offering more than 9000 sale fares between Darwin, Uluru and five of Australia’s biggest cities as part of a sale in partnership with Tourism NT.
Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully, who attended the February Aviation Roundtable and was compelled to catch a Darwin red-eye flight at the event’s conclusion, said it reflected a broader NT focus.
“Our low fares mean more people have the opportunity to experience the NT,” she said.
“We’re always looking for ways to support and grow the NT’s visitor economy while providing low fares for Territorians so they can afford to take off more.
“We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Tourism NT as we work together to help stimulate travel demand to the Top End and the Red Centre.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the NT Government, Tourism NT and Darwin Airport for their ongoing support of low fares travel.”
Tourism NT acting chief marketing officer Monika Tonkin said there had never been a better time to book a holiday to the NT.
“We’re excited to partner with Jetstar to offer this amazing flight sale, just in time to showcase the Northern Territory’s Best Kept Season,” she said.
“The low season is the perfect time to enjoy fewer crowds, great deals, and unforgettable experiences across both the Top End and Red Centre.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from right across Australia to experience the NT’s extraordinary landscapes, rich Aboriginal culture and incredible hidden gems during this special time of year.”
The five-day sale includes both inbound and outbound flights including: 
Melbourne (Tullamarine) - Uluru (Ayers Rock) from $120^
Sydney - Uluru (Ayers Rock) from $120^
Adelaide - Darwin from $139^
Brisbane - Darwin from $149^
Sydney - Darwin from $159^
Melbourne (Tullamarine) - Darwin from $159^
Gold Coast – Darwin from $139^
The sale ends at 11.59pm AEST Monday 15 September 2025, with customers encouraged to get in quick before fares sell out. 
