- Direct flights between Sydney and Darwin return from 22 June 2026.
- Up to seven return flights per week in peak periods, adding 80,000 seats annually between the two destinations.
- Convenient daytime departures for visiting friends and relatives, business and leisure travellers.
10 December 2025: Virgin Australia will resume direct flights between Sydney and Darwin from 22 June 2026, reconnecting two iconic Australian destinations.
Tickets go on sale from 8.00am AEST today at virginaustralia.com.
The airline will operate up to seven return flights per week during peak travel periods, boosting connectivity between New South Wales and the Northern Territory and supporting tourism growth.
The reinstated route will make it easier for visitors to experience the Top End, while giving NT residents more choice and access to competitive fares when travelling to Sydney and beyond.
Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley said the route’s return reflects the airline’s commitment to providing choice and convenience for travellers.
“We’re excited to reconnect Sydney and Darwin, two destinations that play an important role in Australia’s tourism landscape,” Mr Hartley said.
“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.”
Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill OAM said “We welcome Virgin Australia’s decision to resume a direct seasonal service between Darwin and Sydney.”
“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable options, so we are delighted by today’s announcement.
“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.”
Virgin Australia currently services three of the Northern Territory’s key gateways – Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru.
Flights are scheduled to operate during the day, providing convenient options for travellers in both directions.
Services will operate seasonally through to 10 January 2027 and restart again in March 2027, to align with market demand.
Tickets are on sale from today. For more information, visit virginaustralia.com.
Note to editors:
- Virgin Australia suspended year-round Sydney–Darwin flights in early 2023 following a network review.
- Enhanced alignment with customer demand – including seasonal flying and shifting services to daytime departures – means the time is right for our customers and our business to reinstate the route.
ENDS
