‘Fantastic’: Tourism Top End welcomes new Darwin-Kuala Lumpur flight route

The local tourism industry says a new direct flight route between Darwin Kuala Lumpur is a significant win in opening up the Territory to Asia and beyond.

AirAsia is launching a direct route between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur.

The tourism industry has welcomed a new direct flight between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur as a “fantastic” win for the Territory that will link the Top End with Asia and beyond.

On Sunday the NT News revealed AirAsia would launch a new service from Darwin to Malaysia’s capital from June, with one-way sale fares available for less than $200.

“It’s a wonderful things for the Territory,” Tourism Top End general manager Samantha Bennett said.

“It goes much broader than just opening up the Malaysian market – Kuala Lumpur is a hub to the rest of Asia and international markets.

“Just like Bali’s been a hub, and Singapore’s been a hub, this is another key link that opens up all of the other Asia ports for us.

“South Korea and India are our two emerging markets, and we’re going to give them an almost direct access point to the NT.”

Samantha Bennett general manager Tourism Top End.

A previous Darwin-Kuala Lumpur route run by Malaysia Airlines was canned in 2017 as it continued to lose money.

Ms Bennett said the consumer appetite was there for a more affordable service.

“AirAsia is a budget airline, but it’s got a good reputation – for a low cost carrier they are world class,” she said.

“And I think they have a real willingness to market our destination to their audiences, so it’s a two way marketing strategy.”

Ms Bennett said she expected both tourists and business travellers to take advantage of the new route, with the possibility of new trade links as well.

“It increases our capacity for freight, which has always been problematic,” she said.

“We’ve got some great produce in the Territory, from mangoes to mudcrabs – the issue is getting it out there.

“With the new Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations there’s a renewed commitment to developing these opportunities.

Last month the NT News hosted an aviation roundtable in Darwin, bringing together senior airline figures and local aviation stakeholders to discuss options for better services and cheaper flights.

Originally published as ‘Fantastic’: Tourism Top End welcomes new Darwin-Kuala Lumpur flight route