MEDIA RELEASE: Qantas Group changes impose minimal impact on Top End travellers.

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Today’s Qantas Group announcement outlining a reduction in Jetstar services from Darwin will impose minimal impact on Top End travellers.

Changes to Darwin will include minimal reductions in some of Jetstar’s supplementary seasonal services that operate around peak periods only.

Jetstar’s Darwin-Denpasar flights have been flagged to reduce from 11 to 8 flights per week, despite the airline currently operating 7 services per week on the sector.

The airline’s Darwin-Sydney service has been flagged to reduce from 11 to 7 times per week, despite the fact that Jetstar is currently operating 7 services per week.

“The important message to travellers is that they should not be alarmed by today’s announcement because the flights which have been cut are not operating at the moment,” said Northern Territory Airports Director Airline and Airport Services, Jim Parashos.

“We have a net gain in seats between Sydney and Darwin with the new daily Virgin Australia service which commenced 2 April 2012, SilkAir now fly between Darwin and Singapore and beyond to 96 destinations and Jetstar is increasing their Bali service to 8 times weekly on a year round basis from August 2012,” he said.

“We’re continuing to progress discussions with a number of airline partners on new and increased services.  Indeed, Darwin has recorded strong passenger growth over the last five years, reflecting the additional seat capacity that has come into the market.  Services from Darwin International Airport continue to grow in line with local demand and the major resources projects planned for Darwin should only increase passenger numbers,” said Mr Parashos.

Today’s announcements on broader changes to NT flight services does however highlight that the Northern Territory is not immune to the challenges facing the industry.

“The dynamic nature of the industry means that we’re always looking at opportunities and dealing with challenges. The impact of high fuel costs, the high Aussie dollar, Australian’s travelling overseas in record numbers and global economic uncertainty are all factors that would be contributing to an airlines decision to adjust schedules.”

“The best advice for travellers in this changing environment is to plan ahead and book early to get the best fares,” said Mr Parashos. 

Emma Andrew
Communications and Media | Northern Territory Airports Pty Ltd
T: 0402 088 141 | E: emma.andrew@ntairports.com.au