Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations
Marie-Clare Boothby
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
Joint Media Release Trifecta of new routes for the NT: Jetstar to fly Darwin-Gold Coast
5 February 2025
The Territory's aviation sector is set to expand again with Jetstar launching a new direct seasonal service between Darwin and the Gold Coast.
It marks a trifecta of aviation announcements for the Finocchiaro CLP Government in the past four weeks.
Territorians, travellers and local tourism operators are set to benefit from improved aviation access to the Territory with new services also including Airnorth, Alice Springs to Cairns and Indonesia AirAsia, Darwin to Denpasar.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said having direct access to key holiday regions improved connectivity for travellers and enhanced the liveability for the Northern Territory.
"Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable airfares so will be delighted by today's announcement by Jetstar, who are known to offer low airfares," she said.
"We are focused on pursuing more aviation services coming into the Territory and will continue to invest in this area."
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said: "These additional flight routes to and from the Northern Territory play an important role as we rebuild our economy and make the Territory the most competitive place in the country to live, work and invest."
"Increased flight options improve accessibility for tourists, business travellers and investors, along with making travel easier and more affordable for Territorians to visit family and friends interstate," she said.
"Expanding travel options connect the Territory with the rest of Australia and the world, positioning us as a key travel destination."
Rob Porter, Executive General Manager, Airports. Airport Development Group, said: "The launch of Jetstar's direct Darwin to Gold Coast route is a significant milestone for our aviation sector, adding another layer of connectivity to the Territory."
"This new service opens up exciting opportunities for both businesses and travellers, strengthening our tourism sector and improving access to key domestic markets," he said.
"With the trifecta of new routes announced in recent weeks, we are creating even more pathways for people to connect with the Northern Territory, supporting our region's growth, prosperity and economic development."
The Jetstar Darwin-Gold Coast route is supported under the Territory Government's Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme.
The Dry Season service will operate between Darwin and the Gold Coast from June to the end of October, four times a week.
The new flights will go on sale from midday NT time tomorrow, Thursday, 6 February 2025, at jetstar.com, with one-way sale fares available from $109.
The service will add more than 25,000 new seats during this period.
