Singapore Airlines boosts Darwin service to seven days per week
An international service linking the Territory to one of the world’s busiest airports will soon increase to a daily schedule. Read when flights will take off.
Northern Territory
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A key international aviation route linking the Territory to one of the world’s busiest terminals is set to return to a daily service.
Singapore Airlines has announced it will boost its Darwin-Singapore schedule from five days per week to seven in April next year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.
An Airport Development Group spokeswoman said it was welcome news for Darwin’s overseas aviation, which remains about 40 per cent down on average.
“Darwin international traffic has not recovered to pre-Covid levels but is increasing steadily, especially with the announcement of increased services,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the “significant” route was currently under-serviced.
“(Our location) as Australia’s northernmost capital city is well-known as the gateway to Asia … (this) will be welcomed by travellers to and from the Territory,” she said.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said the Darwin-Singapore route was the most direct international service connecting the Territory to the UK, Europe and Asia.
“This is a significant milestone for Darwin’s aviation capacity and fantastic news for Territorians,” she said.
“(The) announcement supports the NT’s trade and investment objectives, connecting business travellers with international markets and increases liveability factors for Territorians who enjoy travelling offshore for leisure and to visit friends and family.
“Singapore Airlines is a globally respected brand and its presence and ongoing commitment to the Territory is a testament to Darwin’s profile as a thriving international city.”
She said Tourism NT was working with the carrier on marketing campaigns, building on the two cities’ longstanding aviation connectivity which stretches back to 1999.
Singapore Airlines is also set to increase its Melbourne and Perth flights, as well as deploy a larger Airbus A350-900 aircraft to Cairns.
The daily service between Darwin and Singapore is due to run until at least October 2024.
It comes shortly after the NT government announced it would put $10m towards a new aviation attraction scheme designed to bring more flights and carriers to the Territory.
Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock (Uluru) airports can apply for a share of the money, which they must match dollar-for-dollar and use to subsidise airlines’ cost per passenger.
The ADG spokeswoman said while the scheme was yet to lead to any results, several airlines were currently in discussions with the parties.
“No firm commitments have been made as yet, but we are optimistic that the funds will be allocated in the next few months,” she said.
New domestic carrier Nexus Airlines has also recently joined Darwin’s growing list of services, landing its inaugural flight about two weeks ago.
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