Flights between Sydney and Darwin – running up to seven times each week in peak periods and four times a week off-peak – will restart on June 22 next year.
Virgin Australia has not run a year-round service between the two destinations since early 2023.
The resumed service will not quite be a year-round affair – it will run from June 2026 to January 10, 2027, then take a roughly two-month hiatus, before restarting in March 2027.
“We’re excited to reconnect Sydney and Darwin, two destinations that play an important role in Australia’s tourism landscape,” said Virgin Australia’s chief strategy and transformation officer, Alistair Hartley.
“Our return to the route will enhance travel options for passengers, drive competition and reinforce the vital connections between metropolitan centres and regional Australia, with Darwin serving as a key gateway.
“It will also provide greater flexibility for corporate travellers moving between the two cities.
“The direct service will make it easier for travellers to visit friends and relatives, while delivering a significant tourism boost to both cities.”
The new services will also provide an accessibility boost for conferences in Darwin, making the destination more desirable as a conference host.
“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable options, so we are delighted by today’s announcement,” said the Northern Territory’s trade and business minister, Robyn Cahill OAM.
“We have listened to Territorians who want more daytime flights, so this service is a great addition to the schedule options and provides greater flexibility for travellers.
“We are focused on sustainably growing the territory’s aviation sector and improving connectivity, choice and competition for Territorians and visitors.”
Qantas and Jetstar already fly direct between Sydney and Darwin.
