Qantas plans new daily Darwin to Singapore route after runway repairs

Qantas will fly a new international route from Darwin which could bring thousands of tourists to the Top End – but you’ll have to wait almost a year to take off. Here’s why.

Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace announces a new Darwin to Singapore route on January 17. 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Qantas has announced it is launching a Darwin-Singapore route that will take off at the end of this year, with prices starting from $690 return.

The new flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year, prompting hopes it could help boost Darwin’s prominence as a gateway for tourists visiting Australia.

Embraer E190 aircraft will make the run five days a week from December 9, increasing to daily flights from March 2025, pending approvals.

“This direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across Southeast Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time,” Qantas International Chief Executive Cam Wallace said.

Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace announces a new Darwin-Singapore route. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The flight relinks Darwin with Qantas’ London services, meaning customers could avoid a swapover in a different Australian city, or the need to swap carriers to get to the UK.

Mr Wallace said flight prices were coming down across the board and the completion of runway works at Darwin Airport – expected in November – should see prices fall further.

“With some of the runway works we’ve had, we have been constrained and we know that’s an important piece of infrastructure for the Territory, but once that’s finished we’ll be able to have fully loaded planes and that means more seats and more cheaper fares,” he said.

“My advice is to get in and book early because as with all airfares, the cheaper fares go earlier in the booking cycle.”

Embraer E190 aircraft will fly Darwin-Singapore five times a week from December 9. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

More direct international flight options used to run from Darwin, including to the Philippines, Malaysia and China, with airlines withdrawing from the city due to lack of demand or unsustainable costs.

Mr Wallace said Qantas was “very confident” about the Darwin-Singapore service and “very committed to this market”.

He said the route would have been launched sooner if not for the runway works.

Tourism Minister Joel Bowden welcomed the announcement for its potential to bring thousands of extra people through Darwin shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels.

“We’re working to make sure the Territory’s that must-see destination,” he said.

“I reckon if you land in Darwin you’re going to end up at Uluru – as I call it the eighth wonder of the world.”

Shadow Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said adding more routes was “absolutely welcome” but not enough was being done to address cost of living and crime concerns in the NT.

“We can get more airlines here in the Territory if we have a strong economy – to do that we need to get our law and order under control,” she said.