China Southern Airlines, the largest carrier in Asia, will operate its first-ever flights to the Northern Territory later this year.
One of the world’s largest airlines, China Southern will commence its inaugural Guangzhou-Darwin service on 3 December 2025, flying the nonstop route three times per week during the northern winter of 2025/26.
According to the airline’s website, the Guangdong-based airline will utilise its Boeing B737-8 Max aircraft on the roughly 6.5-hour route.
Available to book now, flight CZ8361 will depart Guangzhou (CAN) at 9.50pm and arrive in Darwin (DRW) at 5.55am the following day.
The return flight (CZ8362) will leave the Top End at 7.30am and land in China at 12.25pm, allowing travellers to make the most of their arrival day.
China’s third-largest metropolis, Guangzhou is a city where tradition meets progression; a place where visitors can explore ancient sites like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall one moment and modern marvels like the Canton Tower the next. The city also offers cultural experiences at the Qingping Market and Shamian Island, and even escapes to places like Baiyun Mountain.
More flights
In a major boost to two-way tourism and trade, China Southern recently introduced a raft of route upgrades to Australia.
Among these is an increase in Sydney-Guangzhou frequency from three to four daily from 13 December to 24 February 2026, an increase in Brisbane-Guangzhou flights from one to two daily from 14 December to 2 March 2026, an increase from three to four weekly flights on the Perth-Guangzhou route between 14 December and 1 March 2026, and an increase from three to four weekly flights on the Adelaide-Guangzhou route between 15 December and 2 March 2026. Melbourne frequency remains the same.
With these changes, China Southern will offer 71 weekly flights between Australia and China during the northern winter.
Interest in international flights from Darwin is on the rise, boosted by Indonesia AirAsia’s new Darwin–Denpasar (Bali) route launched earlier this year, with discussions also underway about the Northern Territory hub potentially securing future nonstop connections to Vietnam.
Low-cost carrier Vietjet, already operating six routes across four Australian states, has flagged interest in expanding into Darwin, while Vietnam Airlines has similarly been suggested as a possible contender for services.
Karryon has reached out to China Southern Airlines and Darwin Airport for further comment.
For more info on China Southern Airlines, click here.
