Indonesia AirAsia is back in the Northern Territory with the inaugural Bali to Darwin flight landing at Darwin International Airport today.
Flights will operate three times a week delivering over 55,000 seats annually through Darwin International Airport and Bali's Ngurah Rai International airport.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said Indonesia AirAsia's new service strengthened the Northern Territory's two-way connection with Asia enabling Territorians to travel for business, leisure or to visit family.
"We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia back to Darwin today," she said.
"The Northern Territory Government is focused on pursuing new airlines and investing in our aviation sector to bring more people into the Territory and provide more options for Territorians.
"This new route further strengthens the Northern Territory's connection with Indonesia and will unlock new business and tourism opportunities between our two regions."
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said: "These new flight routes are an important step towards making the Territory the best place in the country to visit, live, work, and invest."
"Increased connectivity boosts our local economy by increasing business opportunities and attracting tourists, giving more people the chance to experience everything the Territory has to offer," said Ms Boothby.
"Additional flights will grow our tourism sector, create new job opportunities for Territorians and make it easier for people to visit their loved ones."
Indonesia AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Veranita Yosephine said the airline was thrilled to touch down in the Territory today to bring its renowned service and extensive network to Darwin.
"Indonesia AirAsia's arrival will boost the Northern Territory's tourism industry and help attract more international visitors," she said.
"We are confident this important and strategic connection will have flow on benefits for local businesses by increasing visitation to restaurants and retail stores and increasing tourism experience bookings.
"We welcome Territorians on board as we deliver great value services direct to Bali and from there onto many exciting destinations across our vast network of over 130 destinations - including our seamless FlyThru connecting services via Bali to Labuan Bajo (home of the Komodo Dragon), Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Phuket, Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta at great value fares, without needing to collect baggage onto the final destination."
Rob Porter, Executive General Manager, Airports for Airport Development Group said: "The new route is a great opportunity for both business and leisure travellers."
"We are thrilled to welcome Indonesia AirAsia back to Darwin, providing a fantastic option for explorers to visit the Top End or connect seamlessly to Asia and beyond," said Mr Porter.
"Strengthening international air links is key to growing tourism, business and trade opportunities, and this service delivers on all fronts.
"Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and this connection makes it even easier for visitors to experience the incredible offerings of the Northern Territory, while giving Territorians a direct and affordable link to Southeast Asia."
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue work closely with key industry stakeholders to fill inbound seats and support demand for outbound travel.
Today's arrival follows the announcement AirAsia Malaysia will also commence direct services between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur from 27 June 2025.
The new Kuala Lumpur and Bali services will see AirAsia Group operate a total of 7-weekly flights from Darwin.
