Qantas has officially launched its first-ever Darwin-Singapore service, a move set to transform travel for Northern Territory residents heading to Asia and Europe.
The new route, which launched Sunday, cuts down travel time by offering a one-stop connection to London, making it the fastest way for Territorians to reach the UK and Europe.
Operating four times a week on a Boeing 737-800, the flights are designed to align with Qantas’ A380 services from Singapore to London, as well as connections to other European and Asian destinations via partner airlines.
International visitors to the Northern Territory will also benefit, no longer needing to transit through other Australian cities to reach NT’s natural wonders.
Departing Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, QF113 will depart DRW at 2.55pm and arrive in SIN at 6.15pm. The return leg, QF114, will leave SIN at 7.20pm and land in DRW at 1.40am the next day.
The new service includes checked baggage, meals, entertainment and Frequent Flyer redemption options. Eligible customers can also access Qantas lounges in both Darwin and Singapore.
Qantas has marked the launch with sale fares from $519 return for Darwin-Singapore flights, available until 2 April 2025.
Year of growth
“We’re delighted to be offering Territorians another international connection and providing a faster and more seamless way to travel with Qantas to Asia and Europe,” Qantas CEO International, Cam Wallace said.
“By adding over 70,000 new seats to the Singapore mega hub, this new route will open up more options for international visitors to make Darwin the first stop on their Australian itinerary.
“2025 is a year of growth for Qantas and Jetstar in the NT, with over 180,000 extra seats and two new routes including Singapore with Qantas and the Gold Coast with Jetstar later this year.”
Singapore fling
Singapore Tourism Board’s Executive Director, International Group HQ and Oceania, Oliver Chong lauded the new service and its potential impact on tourism to the city-state.
“It’s fantastic that Qantas is creating more access for Aussies to visit Singapore from the top end,” he stated.
“With Singapore just under five hours away from Darwin, it makes the city a perfect choice for a quick break, whether it be a whirlwind tour of our food, shopping and attraction offerings or a chill-out time indulging in wellness and bar options.
“Our fifth wildlife park – Rainforest Wild Asia, for example, has just opened its doors a few weeks ago, and is already proving to be a success.”
Destination Darwin
NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill OAM, called the launch “a significant milestone for Darwin and a fantastic day for Territorians looking for more aviation choice, competition and connectivity”.
“The new flights will benefit locals wanting to travel overseas and also connect our ever-growing cohort of business travellers with international markets,” she remarked.
“Qantas’ commitment to the Territory reinforces our profile as a thriving global city and we’ll continue our partnership with them to grow demand to and from the Territory.”
Rob Porter, Executive General Manager – Airports at Airport Development Group, which operates the Darwin hub, echoed Cahill’s comments, calling the service a major milestone for the NT, “strengthening our global connectivity and making it easier for Territorians to access Asia and beyond.”
“This new route is a testament to the Territory’s growing importance as a gateway to the region, unlocking new opportunities for business, tourism, and trade,” he added.
“We remain committed to working with our airline partners to open up Northern Australia, creating more travel options and delivering economic benefits for our community.”
