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New domestic route to offer only service between two iconic Aussie regional cities

Airnorth is trimming the travel fat with a non-stop Alice Springs-Cairns service launching 14 April 2025. Running three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), this route makes it easier than ever to swap the red sands for the reef—without the detour.

Airnorth is trimming the travel fat with a non-stop Alice Springs-Cairns service launching 14 April 2025. Running three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), this route makes it easier than ever to swap the red sands for the reef—without the detour.

More access, fewer stopovers

For time-poor travellers, FIFO workers, and tourism operators, this is a win. The Embraer E190 service will inject 30,000+ seats annually, making regional travel smoother and more efficient.

For international visitors, it’s a dream itinerary builder: snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, then jet straight to the Red Centre for a sunrise over Uluru—all without backtracking through Brisbane or Sydney.

Airnorth pilots in the cockpit ahead of a scheduled service.

A boost for tourism and business

Rob Porter, Executive General Manager Airports at Airport Development Group (ADG), welcomed the announcement, emphasising the impact on regional connectivity:

“This new service between Alice Springs and Cairns is a significant win for Central Australia. It strengthens our connectivity to key holiday destinations, enhances liveability for residents, and supports economic growth for local businesses and tourism operators.

“Not only does this new service open Central Australia up to the world, but Alice Springs residents also now have access to six one-stop international destinations including Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, Fiji, Japan, and Papua New Guinea, and in turn we would expect tourists from those destinations to explore Central Australia.

“We’re proud to partner with Airnorth and the Northern Territory Government through the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) program to deliver this important route for Central Australia.”

Seamless travel, bigger opportunities

Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford sees the route as a key connection for international visitors:

“We know that the Red Centre along with The Great Barrier Reef are bucket list destinations for international travellers, and this route will provide a seamless link for tourists seeking an iconic Australian experience,” he said.

The Airnorth aircraft tail displaying the airline's livery, part of its regional service network.

“This announcement complements Airnorth’s non-stop service between Alice Springs and Perth launched in March last year. These two new connections allow visitors to create unique travel itineraries stretching from one end of the country to the other.

“This exciting new service reflects the Northern Territory Government’s commitment and financial support to strengthen the aviation sector and improve regional connectivity and demonstrates the strong partnership between the Airport Development Group (ADG) and Airnorth for the benefit of all Territorians.”

The details

Supported by the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS), the route is ready for takeoff. Promotional fares start from $299 on sale now.

First flight departs 14 April—giving travel professionals a fresh option for seamless regional itineraries.