Australia’s newest airline Bonza will introduce its services to the Northern Territory from 29 November 2023, announcing 12 new NT flights per week on three new routes – Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs.
Now on sale, Bonza’s new twice-weekly NT flights will boost domestic tourism, adding 116,000-plus seats per year to the Top End and Red Centre.
Two routes – Sunshine Coast to Darwin and Gold Coast to Darwin – are currently unserved among the three new routes.
The Sunshine Coast-Darwin service will commence on 29 November 2023 followed by Gold Coast-Darwin on 1 December and Melbourne-Alice Springs on 12 December.
The NT marks the low-cost carrier’s fifth state or territory and its 20th and 21st destinations on the current route map.
Bonza recently announced its entry into Tasmania with Gold Coast-Launceston flights commencing 21 November 2023.
Boost to tourism
The new routes result from the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which aims to create more competition in the NT skies.
Bonza CEO Tim Jordan praised the initiative, which he said was pivotal in attracting Bonza to the region.
“We welcome the game-changing move, which will mean more affordable travel options for Territorians to leisure destinations,” he said.
“Visitors from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast can now fly direct to the Top End without transferring through a major city airport. The people of Melbourne can now access Alice Springs without it breaking the bank.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles added: “The Territory Government has been relentlessly pursuing more commercial routes for the NT – and the announcement is a result of this work.”
“This is a huge coup for Territorians with Bonza bringing new routes, creating more options for residents and visitors alike.”
For more info, head to flybonza.com
