Data shows Darwin travel numbers set to surpass pre-pandemic levels

Darwin is a destination in demand with the numbers of travellers flying to the city set to soon surpass pre-pandemic levels.

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DARWIN is a destination in demand with the numbers of travellers flying to the city set to surpass pre-pandemic levels soon, new data reveals.

Darwin International Airport has recorded an 85,000 increase (16 per cent) in the number of seats scheduled to arrive from interstate from April to September 2021.

It's the highest rate of seat growth of any airport in the tourism aviation network, which includes Adelaide, Cairns, Gold Coast and Broome.

Darwin airport’s Executive General Manager Robert Porter said this means airlines have added 16 per cent more seats than what was in their schedules as at March 8.

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“We are back to 2019 domestic capacity, and in August and September, we at five per cent higher capacity than in the same months in 2019,” he said.

“Flight and passenger numbers through Darwin International Airport are returning to pre Covid-19 levels.

“We are seeing strong numbers through the airport with 178,000 seats scheduled on domestic flights.

“Those numbers reflect nearly 90 per cent of May 2019 seat numbers.”

Looking ahead to July, the NT’s traditional peak season, Mr Porter said the strong numbers continue with 230,000 domestic seats scheduled through Darwin airport.

It represents a 97 per cent recovery compared to July 2019.

“This is obviously great news for our local tourist industry, which suffered greatly throughout 2020,” he said.

Darwin airport's Executive General Manager Robert Porter on Monday. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“Airport Development Group are proud of the role we play — as the gateway to Darwin and the Top End and the many unique experiences, people can have here.

“On the ground, Darwin International Airport is prepared for this increase in passengers; we have strong staffing numbers.

Mr Porter said during Covid-19, the airport did not stand down any staff.

“We achieved this by moving staff to a four day week and deploying staff to other duties. Post Covid-19 travel is different,” he said. “Face masks must be worn in all airport terminals across Australia, and there are additional processes in place to protect travellers – and this means transiting through any airport can take a little longer, and we thank people for their patience.”

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