Central Australia is set to enjoy improved air access with Airnorth announcing a new direct service between Alice Springs and Cairns, providing a significant boost for businesses, residents, and tourism operators.

Hundreds of thousands of international travellers visit Cairns each year. This new strategic link means travellers from key international markets can experience the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Australia’s Red Centre all within a single seamless and efficient travel itinerary.

Airport Development Group (ADG) Executive General Manager Airports Rob Porter welcomed the announcement and explained the new route will strengthen Alice Springs connectivity, expanding options for international visitors, and enhance domestic travel itineraries.

"This new service between Alice Springs and Cairns is a significant win for Central Australia. It strengthens our connectivity to key holiday destinations, enhances liveability for residents, and supports economic growth for local businesses and tourism operators.

“Not only does this new service open Central Australia up to the world, but Alice Springs residents also now have access to 6 one-stop international destinations including Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, Fiji, Japan, and Papua New Guinea and in turn we would expect tourist from those destinations to explore Central Australia.

“We’re proud to partner with Airnorth and the Northern Territory Government through the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) program to deliver this important route for Central Australia."

Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford explained that increased connections will provide more holiday destinations for Central Australians while enhancing tourism opportunities for the Red Centre.

“We know that the Red Centre along with The Great Barrier Reef are bucket list destinations for international travellers, and this route will provide a seamless link for tourists seeking an iconic Australian experience,” he said.

“This announcement complements Airnorth’s non-stop service between Alice Springs and Perth launched in March last year. These two new connections allow visitors to create unique travel itineraries stretching from one end of the country to the other.

“This exciting new service reflects the Northern Territory Governments commitment and financial support to strengthen the aviation sector and improve regional connectivity and demonstrates the strong partnership between the Airport Development Group (ADG) and Airnorth for the benefit of all Territorians.”

The new route is supported by the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) and promotional sales fares start from $299* one way between Alice Springs and Cairns; from Monday 3 February 2025, with the first flight commencing 14 April 2025.

The service will operate three times per week using an Embraer E190 aircraft, adding over 20,000 seats annually between Central Australia and Far North Queensland.

To book your tickets go to Airnorth's Website.