Qantas is launching new nonstop service between Darwin and Singapore starting December 9, 2024, opening up one-stop connectivity via Changi Airport to destinations across Europe and Asia.
On Wednesday (January 17, 2024), Qantas announced the launch of new direct service between Darwin and Singapore starting December 9, 2024. The new route will open connectivity via Singapore Changi Airport to destinations across Europe and Asia. Initially, the route will operate five times per week with a dual-class Embraer E190, increasing to daily service from March 2025. This has been made possible by the establishment of an E190 base at Darwin Airport, with the size, range and economics of aircraft opening new routes that would not be viable with larger aircraft.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Qantas International’s CEO, Cam Wallace, said,
“We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route out of Darwin and strengthening the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore. The direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across Southeast Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time.
“This new route also allows us to restore the link to the UK which was established when international borders first reopened after the pandemic and we temporarily re-routed our London flight via Darwin with the support of the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport. As the national carrier, we’re committed to showcasing the best of Australia to visitors from around the globe. This new service makes it much easier for Qantas customers from the UK, Europe and across Asia to incorporate Darwin into their Australian itinerary and experience everything the Territory has to offer.”
Also commenting on the new Darwin-Singapore route, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Joel Bowden, added,
“This is a significant milestone for Darwin’s aviation capacity and fantastic news for Territorians looking for more choice, competitiveness and connectivity. The new flights will benefit locals wanting to travel overseas and also connect our ever-growing cohort of business travellers with international markets. Qantas’ commitment to the Territory reinforces our profile as a must-do destination for international visitors and we commend them on today’s announcement.”
Qantas has a very long history of flying between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin being the final stopover in Australia on the carrier’s original route from Australia to London in 1935. The original Kangaroo Route from Darwin to Singapore included five stops and four and a half days, compared to four hours and 45 minutes with today’s direct service. Qantas last operated the Darwin-Singapore route in 2006. Currently, the Qantas Group operates 18 routes from Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru, with nonstop options from Darwin to eight domestic destinations.
Source: Qantas