In a major boost to connectivity across Northern Australia, Qantas has announced that it will launch 2 new routes from Darwin to Far North Queensland next year.
2 new routes from Darwin
Starting 31st January 2022, Qantas will operate 3-weekly nonstop flights between Darwin and Townsville. And as of 29th March 2022, the airline will operate 4-weekly nonstop flights between Darwin and Cairns. Both the routes will be operated by Qantas’ subsidiary, QantasLink, using Embraer E190 aircraft.
The flight schedule of Darwin-Townsville-Darwin route is:
- Darwin-Townsville
- Departure time: 06:40
- Arrival time: 09:50
- Flight time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Flight number: QF1993
- Frequency: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Townsville-Darwin
- Departure time: 10:30
- Arrival time: 12:50
- Flight time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Flight number: QF1994
- Frequency: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Read also: Qantas launches flights between Adelaide and Townsville
The flight schedule of Darwin-Cairns-Darwin route is:
- Darwin-Cairns
- Departure time: 06:30
- Arrival time: 08:55
- Flight time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Flight number: QF1995
- Frequency: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
- Cairns-Darwin
- Departure time: 09:50
- Arrival time: 11:50
- Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Flight number: QF1996
- Frequency: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
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The E190s were introduced to QantasLink’s fleet in May as part of the airline’s agreement with Alliance Airlines. Qantas states that with its size, range and economics, the 94-seat jet has opened up a number of new routes that wouldn’t have been viable with Qantas’ existing fleet including multiple new routes from Cairns, Darwin and Townsville.
John Gissing, CEO, QantasLink, said:
Both Queensland and the Northern Territory have played a key role over Qantas’ 100 year history and we’re pleased to be creating stronger connections between these great parts of Australia with two new routes. As well as offering more options for business travellers who we know commute regularly between these cities, the flights will also make it easier for Australians to explore the world class destinations in the Territory and Far North Queensland. These routes will help more travellers discover the incredible Northern Territory, helping local businesses in their recovery from the impact of COVID. We’ll also be promoting the Territory to tourists from London and beyond when transiting passengers on our international flights have the option to visit Darwin down the track. Travellers will be able to earn and use points on these new flights and enjoy our premium service, whether it’s complimentary food and drinks, baggage or access to our lounges in Darwin, Townsville and Cairns.
Natasha Fyles, Minister for Health and Tourism, Northern Territory, said:
These new services from Qantas come on the back of the new direct flights between Darwin and London, and are indicative of Qantas’ confidence in the outlook for the Territory tourism sector in 2022. We anticipate a strong domestic tourism market next year and welcome this announcement.
The new Darwin-Cairns service will complement Jetstar’s up to 6-weekly flights on the route.
Meanwhile, Qantas recently announced that it will temporarily operate its flagship Kangaroo route from Australia to London via Darwin when international flights resume next month, until at least April 2022.
Featured image by Qantas
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