Northern Territorians and other Aussies will have a new way to access the delights of Malaysia and beyond with the launch of a new AirAsia Malaysia route between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur.
Commencing 27 June 2025, the new service will operate four times per week and help boost tourism, business travel and trade between the ports.
The new service also marks the return of direct flights between the Top End and Malaysia as well as the only low-cost flights from the NT to Asia (beyond Bali).
“We are excited to introduce Darwin as our newest Australian destination, providing an affordable gateway to Asia for Territorians while opening up new tourism opportunities for Malaysians and our wider network,” AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said.
“Darwin is a hidden gem that offers adventure, stunning natural landscapes, and rich Indigenous culture – making it a perfect addition to our expanding portfolio of Australian destinations.
“With our seamless Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur, travellers from across Asia, including Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, China, Cambodia and South Korea, can now easily access Darwin and experience the wonders of Australia’s Top End.”
NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill OAM echoed Mazputra, saying the new link would boost two-way tourism.
“We welcome this important milestone for AirAsia to reconnect Darwin with the global capital city of Kuala Lumpur,” she remarked.
“This will not only improve air accessibility and affordability for Territorians, but will make it easier to invest, visit and do business in the Territory.
“AirAsia is consistently recognised as amongst the world’s best low-cost airlines, so their decision to invest in Darwin reinforces our bright economic future.
“Air connectivity is a priority for the Territory, so we will now be focused on working with all airline partners to ensure all flights see strong commercial outcomes.”
Demanded service
Rob Porter, Executive General Manager of Airports for Airport Development Group (ADG), which operates Darwin Airport, called the new service a major win for NT.
“We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia Malaysia to Darwin, re-establishing a much-needed low-cost connection between the Top End and Asia,” he said.
“This route directly responds to demand from our community, who have long called for more affordable travel options to key destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and India.
“Beyond offering greater choice for Territorians, this new link will also strengthen inbound tourism, supporting local businesses and cementing Darwin’s position as a key international gateway.
“We look forward to working closely with AirAsia to grow this service and explore future opportunities for expansion.”
Earlier this year, sister carrier Indonesia AirAsia announced the recommencement of its Darwin-Denpasar (Bali) flights on 22 March 2025. This followed the launch of AirAsia’s first service to North Queensland in August 2024 and the airline’s first-ever flights to Africa – between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi (Kenya) – in November 2024.
