Airnorth launches annual Santa Flight to bring festive joy to Elcho Island, Kununurra children

Australia’s second longest running airline has launched its annual Santa Flight, delivering Christmas gifts and fresh fruit to remote communities in Elcho Island, Kununurra.

Santa and Elf greet passengers on-board the Airnorth flight to Maningrida during a special community visit. Picture: Supplied

Australia’s second longest running airline Airnorth has launched its annual Santa Flight with promises to bring festive cheer to children in Kununurra and Elcho Island, an island off the coast of Arnhem Land.

For more than 25 years, Airnorth has delivered Christmas joy to some of the most remote communities across northern Australia.

The tradition continues this year as Airnorth partners with McDonald’s, Mix FM and Coles.

Each year, Airnorth swaps Santa’s sleigh for an aircraft, travelling to communities where a visit can make a “world of difference” to young minds.

In 2025, the Christmas flights will deliver footballs, silly socks and colouring-in books supplied by McDonald’s; more than 200kg of fresh fruit and candy canes donated by Coles; Santa and his elves, travelling with the support of Mix FM; and the Airnorth team.

Airnorth Santa flight making a ‘world of difference’ to young minds. Picture: Supplied

Airnorth chief executive Daniel Bowden said the Christmas flights remained “one of the most meaningful moments in our calendar”.

“Flying Santa and our partners into remote communities is about more than Christmas gifts — it’s about connection, kindness and showing up for the regions that have supported us for so long,” he said.

McDonalds Licensee’s Phillip Coleman and Vicki-Leigh Lettice said in a joint-statement being part of the Santa flights was something “we deeply value”.

“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces when we arrive with gifts is incredibly special. It reminds us why giving back to our remote communities matters so much,” they said.

Mix FM Breakfast Radio Host Daniel Hillard described the “excitement, joy and community spirit” he saw each year the partners flew to remote communities.

“We look forward each year to heading out and being a part of it all,” he said.

A Coles spokesperson said the company was “passionate” about supporting the “happiness of communities” across Australia.

“Being part of the Airnorth Santa flight and providing fresh fruit to children in remote areas is incredibly rewarding,” they said.

“Seeing their joy and excitement is a powerful reminder of the spirit of giving.”

Originally published as Airnorth launches annual Santa Flight to bring festive joy to Elcho Island, Kununurra children