What’s Next for Darwin International Airport: Growth and New Routes
At Routes World 2024 in Bahrain, Darwin International Airport (DRW) outlined its ambitious international expansion plans and ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders. As Australia’s northernmost gateway, DRW connected over 1.8 million passengers in 2023, reaching 87% of its pre-pandemic levels. Operating 24/7, the airport serves 20 destinations across Australia and Asia, positioning Darwin as the primary access point to the Northern Territory.
Recent developments include welcoming Nexus airline’s new daily service to Kununurra, while Qantas will resume flights to Singapore in March 2025, complementing existing services by Singapore Airlines. This route expansion aligns with DRW’s growth strategy, which includes a major runway upgrade allowing widebody aircraft operations to support increasing international capacity.
Allan Woo, head of aviation development at DRW, emphasized the potential for new international routes, particularly for carriers targeting unserved destinations. Pre-pandemic data showed that a significant number of passengers on DRW’s Singapore route connected to other key destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok, highlighting a profitable opportunity for expansion.
Supporting DRW’s growth is the Northern Territory Government’s A$20 million aviation attraction scheme, which incentivizes airlines to offer more routes and competitive fares. Through partnerships with tourism boards, hotels, and travel agents, DRW has tailored packages to promote travel to regional destinations.
During Routes World, DRW connected with over a dozen airlines, leveraging its Routes 360 membership to optimize its outreach and strengthen partnerships with potential airline collaborators.
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