Virgin Australia has announced it will be resuming direct flights to Uluru, marking the second airline to announce new routes to the NT as a result of the Territory Labor Government's Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS).
Launched in July this year, the TAAS is a dollar for dollar scheme open to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock to create new and extra capacity routes, providing more options for visitors to come to the NT.
Returning to Uluru for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Virgin Australia has opened bookings today for visitors to book direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluru.
The world heritage listed Uluru is one of Australia's most famous natural landmarks, so today's announcement is a significant development for the Australian domestic and international tourism industry.
The first flights will depart 6 June 2024, giving travellers plenty of time to enjoy the Northern Territory's peak tourism season.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:
"The Territory Labor Government is proud to welcome Virgin Australia back to Uluru. Today's announcement is a direct result of the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme which was designed to improve aviation access and connectivity to the Territory, with this success achieved in partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
"Around half of all visitors to the Lasseter region, which includes Uluru, also spend at least one night in Alice Springs and so these new services will provide a broad benefit across the entire Central Australia region.
"Uluru is a must-do destination and these new flights will make it easier for Australian and international tourists to visit Uluru, which supports Central Australia's tourism growth, boosts jobs and generates new visitor expenditure."
Quotes attributable to Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka:
"Uluṟu is a special place in Australia and a cultural landmark that identifies this wonderful country to the world. We look forward to once again connecting Australians and international tourists alike, to the spiritual heartland of Australia.
"We are also proud to be offering direct flights to Uluṟu from Melbourne and Brisbane for the first time. The forecast demand from these cities, coupled with excellent connectivity from our international airline partners, will provide a much-needed tourism boost to the region.
"Greater competition in the market and more seat capacity to Uluru will also provide travellers with more choice and value next time they fly to the Red Centre."
Quotes attributable to CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Matt Cameron-Smith:
"The return of Virgin Australia to the spiritual heart of the nation represents significant progress for tourism to Central Australia and particularly for Indigenous employment, tourism and training at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.
"Whether it's still on the bucket list or a much-loved destination, visiting Uluru is a must-do for international and Australian travellers alike. These new routes deliver more choice for travel to the NT, but also an abundance of convenient international connections through Virgin Australia's global network of partners.
"Demand to visit Uluru is incredibly strong - driven by a wealth of amazing cultural experiences including the world-first $10 million cultural drone and storytelling experience, Wintjiri Wiru. We can't wait to roll out the red carpet for Virgin Australia's return to the Red Centre."
