Vietnam could soon join the small roster of overseas destinations for Darwin Airport, with the hub’s owner confirming that it is in talks about a new route to the Southeast Asian nation.
Airport Development Group (ADG), which operates Darwin Airport, said it actively works with airlines to develop new routes – and there’s been real interest in direct flights to Vietnam.
“Airport Development Group (ADG) actively collaborates with airline partners to explore growth opportunities and is continuously in discussions with domestic and international carriers for the commencement of new destinations from Darwin International Airport,” it told Karryon.
“The Darwin community and stakeholders have indicated interest in a direct Vietnam route and ADG has been in discussions with carriers to operate this route.”
The airport couldn’t confirm which carrier it is in talks with for flights to Vietnam (most likely Ho Chi Minh). But Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet, which already flies six routes to four Aussie states, has previously stated its intention to fly to Darwin, while Vietnam Airlines has also been floated as a possible operator.
At present, Vietnam Airlines operates daily Ho-Chi Minh-Sydney and Melbourne flights as well as a three-times-weekly Ho-Chi Minh-Perth service. It also flies Hanoi-Sydney and Melbourne three times a week each.
Karryon has reached out to Vietnam Airlines for comment.
Read our review of Vietnam Airlines’ Sydney-Saigon Premium Economy service.
DRW currently offers flights to Singapore (Changi) with Singapore Airlines and Qantas, and Bali (Denpasar) with Jetstar.
Indonesia AirAsia also recently announced it would recommence NT-Denpasar flights in March 2025 after a seven-year absence.
“Asia is a very popular holiday destination for Australians, and ADG recently welcomed the return of AirAsia to Darwin International Airport, with flights from Darwin to Denpasar starting three times a week from 22 March 2025,” ADG told Karryon.
“At the same time, we also anticipate Darwin to be a popular destination for the many millions of guests who fly with AirAsia wanting to see the incredible tourism highlights of the Northern Territory which can now be easily accessed via Bali.”
In November, Darwin International Airport won the award for best infrastructure at the 2024 Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Awards.
