Return of the cheap flights: AirAsia resumes Top End services from March for first time since 2018

After disappointing Territorians with a snap pullout of services in 2018, AirAsia makes its long awaited return to Darwin - and cheap flights are already on sale.

AirAsia is returning to the Northern Territory in March 2025.

AirAsia is returning to the Northern Territory for the first time since 2018, offering cheap flights between the Top End and Bali, starting from March.

The airline pulled all services out of Darwin after a network restructuring in 2018, disappointing customers and forcing many to rebook with the only other available airline at the time flying to Bali, Jetstar.

With the past now behind it, Indonesia AirAsia chief executive Veranita Yosephine said the airline was “thrilled” to announce its return to the Northern Territory.

“Bali is now our largest hub in terms of flight capacity, driven by strong demand,” she said.

“These direct flights will cater to the enduring popularity of Bali as a destination for Australians and offer great low fare connections to over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network.

AirAsia is returning to the Northern Territory in March 2025.

“At the same time, millions of guests from across Asia will be welcomed to the Northern Territory.

“We thank Airport Development Group and the Northern Territory Government for their support in making these services a reality.”

AirAsia’s return to Darwin will also mean Territory passengers will be able to seamlessly connect via Bali to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Komodo Island - from as low as under $300.

NT minister for trade, business, and Asian relations Robyn Cahill said the return of direct flights between Darwin and Bali was “fantastic news” for Territorians and visitors alike.

“AirAsia’s strong reputation as a leading global great value carrier will instil confidence in both leisure and business travellers,” she said.

“The Northern Territory Government’s reinstatement of the Office of Asian Relations underscores our commitment to enhancing access to northern markets for trade, investment, study, and skilled migration.

“This new connection will bring benefits across these areas while also boosting leisure tourism.”

NT minister for tourism and hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby echoed Ms Cahill’s sentiments, and said the return was great for the Territory’s tourism industry.

The first flights from Darwin to Bali on the returning airline will be on March 22, with flights resuming at a frequency of three per week – on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – and are expected to bring more than 1000 visitor seats into Darwin International Airport weekly.

Tickets for the first flights are already on sale, with fares starting from $189.

Airport Development Group executive general manager Sandra de Kock said Territorians had been calling for more options to fly to Bali, and AirAsia delivered just that.

“Bali has long been the number one holiday destination for Darwin residents and these flights will undoubtedly see a surge of travellers embarking on their Indonesian adventures,” she said.

“We’re proud to work with AirAsia to make these services a success and support the growth of tourism and our local economy.”

With strong ties already between the Territory and Indonesia, Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih, Consul (Head of Post), Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia (Northern Territory) said the new flights would only strengthen that.

“The establishment of a new direct flight routeetween Denpasar and Darwin by AirAsia marks a strategic initiative that is expected to have a positive impact on connectivity, particularly in strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing the long-standing historical relationship between Indonesia and the Northern Territory.”