Qantas is set to broaden its international reach from Darwin by launching a direct flight service to Singapore. This addition, which starts in December, will offer over 60,000 seats annually on this route and create an efficient entry point for visitors to explore the Northern Territory’s renowned attractions.
This new service not only provides a direct link between the Northern Territory and Singapore for locals but also offers a streamlined journey to London via QF1, as well as convenient connections to other European and Asian destinations through partner airlines. Passengers traveling from Darwin to London will notably cut their journey by about five hours, as they won’t need to detour through other major Australian cities.
Starting 9 December 2024, the flights will initially run five times a week, utilizing the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, with plans to scale up to daily flights by March 2025. The introduction of the E190 base at Darwin Airport is a pivotal factor in enabling this route, as the aircraft’s size, range, and efficiency make it ideal for routes that larger planes couldn’t operate economically. This strategic move also follows the commencement of international flights to Dili in 2022.
This route isn’t new to Qantas; in fact, it harks back to 1935 when Darwin was the last Australian stop on the original Kangaroo Route to London. The journey from Darwin to Singapore then involved five stops and took four and a half days, a stark contrast to the modern service’s duration of just four hours and 45 minutes.
While Qantas previously offered direct flights from Darwin to Singapore up until 2006, this re-launch marks a significant enhancement in service and aircraft technology. Premium customers and Frequent Flyers can look forward to exclusive access to the Qantas Club in Darwin before departure, and to the Qantas International First or Business Lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport upon their return.
Ticket sales have already commenced, with return fares starting at $690.
Qantas’s commitment to the region is further underscored by its operation of 18 routes from Darwin, Alice Springs, and Uluru, including non-stop flights from Darwin to eight domestic destinations. However, it’s important to note that the commencement of these flights is contingent upon government and regulatory approvals.
