Qantas is launching a second international route from Darwin later this year, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore.

Commencing in December, the new Qantas flights will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year.

The flights will provide Territorians with a direct Qantas option to Singapore and also a seamless connection to London on QF1, as well as other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines.

Qantas customers travelling from Darwin will save around five hours in flying time by no longer having to fly via other Australian capital cities to get to London.

From December 9, 2024, flights will initially operate five days per week with the dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, increasing to daily from March 2025.

Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace, said the Singapore service was a welcome addition to the airline’s international network out of Darwin.

“We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route out of Darwin and strengthening the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore,” Wallace said.

“The direct service is not just great news for Territorians wanting to visit Singapore, but also for those travelling to London, Europe and across Southeast Asia, with connections to popular destinations like Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving hours of travel time.

“This new route also allows us to restore the link to the UK which was established when international borders first reopened after the pandemic and we temporarily re-routed our London flight via Darwin with the support of the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport.

“As the national carrier, we’re committed to showcasing the best of Australia to visitors from around the globe.

“This new service makes it much easier for Qantas customers from the UK, Europe and across Asia to incorporate Darwin into their Australian itinerary and experience everything the Territory has to offer,” he said.

Qantas has a long history of flying between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin being the final Australia stop-over on the original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London in 1935.

In those days, the flight from Darwin to Singapore took five stops and four and a half days versus a four hours and 45 minutes flight on the new direct service.

More recently, Qantas last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.

Eligible Qantas customers and Frequent Flyers will have access to the Qantas Club in Darwin prior to clearing immigration and security.

On their return, eligible customers will have access to the Qantas International First or Business Lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport.