DARWIN- Qantas (QF) has revealed its plans to introduce a second international route from Darwin (DRW), offering direct flights to Singapore (SIN) starting in December.
The new flights are expected to contribute over 60,000 seats annually to the route, providing a convenient gateway to iconic experiences in Australia’s Top End.
Qantas Darwin to Singapore Flights
The direct Qantas service will offer Territorians a convenient link to Singapore and seamless connections to London through QF1, as well as various destinations across Europe or Asia through partner airlines.
Travelers departing from Darwin will enjoy approximately five hours saved in flying time by eliminating the need to transit through other Australian capital cities to reach London.
Scheduled to commence on December 9, 2024, the flights will initially operate five days a week using the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft. The frequency will increase to daily starting in March 2025.
The establishment of the E190 base at Darwin Airport has made this new route possible, as the aircraft’s size, range, and economics open up viable routes that wouldn’t be feasible with larger aircraft. This expansion follows the successful launch of international flights to Dili in 2022.
Executive Remarks
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace expressed enthusiasm about the Singapore service, recognizing its value in enhancing the airline’s international network from Darwin.
“We are delighted to provide our customers with another exciting international route departing from Darwin, further fortifying the vital trade, business, and tourism connections between Australia and Singapore,” stated Mr. Wallace.
“This direct service brings fantastic news not only for residents of the Northern Territory looking to explore Singapore but also for those journeying to London, Europe, and throughout Southeast Asia. It opens up connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur through our partner airlines, resulting in substantial time savings for travelers.”
“Moreover, this new route enables us to reinstate the connection to the UK that was established when international borders first reopened post-pandemic. We temporarily rerouted our London flight via Darwin with the collaboration of the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport.”
“As the national carrier, we are dedicated to showcasing the best of Australia to visitors worldwide. This new service simplifies the inclusion of Darwin in the Australian itinerary for Qantas customers from the UK, Europe, and across Asia, allowing them to explore everything the Territory has to offer.”
Minister Comments
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, considering it a valuable addition to the Territory.
“This marks a significant achievement for Darwin’s aviation capacity and is fantastic news for residents seeking more options, competitiveness, and connectivity.”
“The introduction of these new flights will not only benefit locals intending to travel internationally but will also link our continually expanding group of business travelers with global markets.”
“Qantas’ dedication to the Territory reinforces our status as a must-visit destination for international tourists, and we commend them for today’s announcement.”
Qantas has a rich history of operating flights between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin serving as the ultimate Australian stop-over on the original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London in 1935.
During those times, the flight from Darwin to Singapore involved five stops and four and a half days, in contrast to the current direct service that takes four hours and 45 minutes.
Connecting Routes, Fares, and More
More recently, Qantas previously operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.
Eligible Qantas customers and Frequent Flyers will be able to access the Qantas Club in Darwin before going through immigration and security. Upon return, eligible customers will have access to the Qantas International First or Business Lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Fares for the new route start from $690 return and can be booked starting today via qantas.com or through travel agents.
The Qantas Group manages 18 routes from Darwin, Alice Springs, and Uluru, including non-stop options from Darwin to eight domestic destinations.
Here are examples of one-stop destinations available from Darwin via Singapore, with return fares starting from:
- Darwin to London: $2,511 (Qantas/Qantas)
- Darwin to Kuala Lumpur: $849 (Qantas/Jetstar Asia)
- Darwin to Bangkok: $843 (Qantas/Jetstar Asia)
- Darwin to Phuket: $906 (Qantas/Jetstar Asia)
- Darwin to Dubai: $2,338 (Qantas/Emirates)
- Darwin to Amsterdam: $2,451 (Qantas/KLM)
- Darwin to Tokyo: $2,068 (Qantas/Japan Airlines) (Note: Flights are subject to government and regulatory approval.)
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