Latest news from ADG

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that Darwin International Airport (DIA) has received a Silver Award in the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) Green Airports Recognition 2025, under the category of airports handling fewer than 6 million passengers annually. This is ADG’s third Green Airports Award in four years (2022, 2024 & 2025).

Today marks a milestone for Alice Springs and Far North Queensland as Airnorth’s inaugural direct flight between Alice Springs and Cairns becomes a reality, opening up exciting opportunities for tourism, business, and investment. The new service, operating three times per week, is touching down in Alice Springs this afternoon. This service strengthens links between two of Australia’s most iconic regions, offering more than 30,000 seats annually and enhancing domestic and international itineraries.

Airport Development Group (ADG) recognises the strategic importance of the Barkly region; in particular the vast energy resources of the Beetaloo, the current and future development of critical minerals and rare earths, and the potential need for a logistics hub to support Northern Australia’s Defence requirements. As such, ADG has today released the draft Tennant Creek Aviation and Accommodation Hub concept plan for community consultation. This concept plan has been developed together with key industry participants and seeks to provide a long-term solution to the growing aviation and logistics needs of the Barkly.

The Airport Development Group’s (ADG) Indigenous Training Academy (ITA) participated in a unique community engagement event with the Canberra Raiders, showcasing the power of sport to inspire, unite, and build future leaders. Held at TIO Stadium in Darwin, the event provided ADG’s ITA trainees with a special opportunity to attend a Canberra Raiders training session, followed by a photo opportunity with the players.

Airport Development Group (ADG) was pleased to host the Australian Airports Association (AAA) Northern Territory Division Meeting on Thursday, 3 April, bringing together airport operators from across the Territory. The event provided a valuable platform for industry leaders to engage with the AAA on strategic priorities, policy updates, and advocacy efforts that shape the future of aviation in Australia.

Today marks a major milestone for the Northern Territory’s global connectivity as Qantas launches its inaugural Darwin-Singapore service. This new route adds over 70,000 seats annually, providing Territorians with a one-stop gateway to Asia and Europe—the fastest way to travel to London.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is enhancing the visitor experience at Darwin Airport Resorts, with the refurbishment of 159 rooms, 8 new luxury villas, and a brand-new restaurant showcasing local NT and Australian produce, as part of an amazing new menu. This investment, delivered in collaboration with ADG’s Major Projects team, is part of a broader commitment to bolstering tourism and hospitality offerings in the Top End.

Alice Springs Airport has been recognised as a finalist in the prestigious Routes Asia 2025 Marketing Awards, competing in the Under 5 million Passengers category. This achievement highlights the airport’s ongoing commitment to regional connectivity, tourism growth, and sustainable aviation development in the heart of Australia.

Airport Development Group (ADG), in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR), proudly represented the Northern Territory at the Routes Asia 2025 conference in Perth. As the only route development event dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region, Routes Asia 2025 brought together decision-makers from airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation stakeholders to shape the future of air connectivity across the region. With over 900 aviation professionals in attendance and more than 3,000 meetings scheduled, the event provided a vital platform to enhance the Northern Territory’s visibility and promote new air service opportunities.

Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly welcomes Indonesia AirAsia’s official touch down in Darwin today, marking an exciting new chapter in connectivity between the Northern Territory and Asia. The new service bolsters affordable and convenient travel options for Territorians embarking on journeys to Indonesia and beyond. Likewise, Southeast Asian travellers wanting to experience the Northern Territory’s unique culture, landscapes, and world-class tourism experiences now have a wider gateway to the Top End.

AirAsia Malaysia is set to expand its Australian network with the launch of a new direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin, commencing 27 June 2025. This milestone not only strengthens the airline’s commitment to international connectivity but also marks the return of a low-cost carrier linking the Northern Territory to top holiday destinations across Asia.

Airport Development Group (ADG) and Darwin Airport Resorts came together today to celebrate International Women’s Day, hosting a special event that highlighted the strength, leadership, and achievements of women across both businesses. The event brought together colleagues and industry leaders for an inspiring conversation featuring Alicia Langton, Financial Planner with Hostplus, Sandra de Kock, Executive General Manager of People, Culture and Community at ADG, and Nadee Wicks, Director of Sales, and Marketing at Darwin Airport Resorts. Each speaker shared their unique journey, offering insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Two trainees from the Airport Development Group’s (ADG) Indigenous Training Academy, Tia Graham and Taylah Besic, took centre stage last week as panellists at the Aboriginal Tourism Forum, part of the NT Tourism event. The forum provided an opportunity for emerging Indigenous tourism professionals to share their experiences and inspire others to explore career pathways in the industry.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to support Darwin Men’s Shed (DMS) through our Community Grants Program, providing a $2,000 grant to enhance their workshop and community programs. This funding has enabled the group to purchase a new dust extractor for their shed and support their We Fix It program, which assists locals with repairs or assembly of items.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of trainees participating in the Indigenous Training Academy (ITA) program. Seven participants from the Northern Territory will embark on a transformative journey through the ITA, with traineeships in hospitality, and business.

Airport Development Group is thrilled to support Jetstar’s new Darwin to Gold Coast route which has been made possible with the support of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS). Jetstar will operate four direct flights per week on its Airbus A320 aircraft, with the inaugural flight being 26 June 2025.

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.

Direct services between Darwin and Bali will commence 22 March 2025 with three direct flights per week, offering a world of great value travel across Asia and beyond. Indonesia AirAsia is set to reconnect the Northern Territory with Asia, resuming three direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali from 22 March 2025. Tickets are on sale now, with fares starting from just AUD $189.

In partnership with local film studio Global Headquarters, ADG is proud to share our short documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. More Than Just Being There shares personal stories from residents and highlights Darwin International Airport’s critical role in supporting the city’s recovery and reconnecting families. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of Darwin’s resilience and the enduring strength of its people.

Airport Development Group is proud to announce its recognition as the Overall Winner in the Excellence in Business (Medium and Large Business) category at the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce’s NT Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights Airport Development Group’s commitment to driving economic growth, delivering world-class services, fostering community engagement, and supporting Indigenous participation in the Northern Territory.

Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly supported the Stick Mob Portals Exhibition at this year’s Desert Festival, contributing $2,000 through its Community Grants Program. This initiative showcased the creative brilliance of young Indigenous artists and enriched the Northern Territory’s cultural landscape.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that our workplace giving program raised an impressive $12,000 in 2024 to support Dolly’s Dream. This initiative honours the memory, of Dolly Everett, a young girl from Katherine in the Northern Territory; dedicated to creating a kinder, safer world by addressing bullying and providing resources to young people, families, and schools—particularly in rural and remote communities like those in the Northern Territory.

The recent Australian Airports Association (AAA) Women in Airports Forum, held as part of the 2024 AAA National Conference held in Brisbane, was a highlight of the week. With over 300 attendees, the event covered a wide range of topics, sparking insightful conversations and fostering meaningful connections within the aviation industry.

Last week, it was a pleasure to attend Charles Darwin University's Donor Thank You Reception, held in the beautiful Danala, Education and Community Precinct, the showcase of CDU in the city. The event hosted by Professor Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor, and President of CDU, and joined by the Hon. Robyn Cahill in her capacity as Minister for International Education, celebrating the incredible contributions of CDU’s donors.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the launch of our Indigenous Engagement Report 2023-24, showcasing our ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with First Nations communities across the Northern Territory. At this week’s ADG Indigenous Advisory Committee meeting, Chair Eddie Fry celebrated the achievements highlighted in the report and welcomed new members Nicole Brown (Larrakia) and Michael Liddle (Alyawarre) to the Committee.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Steven Ferreira, a proud graduate of our Indigenous Training Academy (ITA). Steven recently represented Australia at the prestigious International Friendly Skills Competition: Food and Beverage Service, held in Timor-Leste. As the sole Australian participant, Steven demonstrated the exceptional skills he honed through his Certificate III in Hospitality, earned at the ITA.

Airport Development Group (ADG) has been awarded the Infrastructure Award at the 2024 National Airports Association Awards for the transformative Terminal Precinct and Hotel Development at Darwin International Airport.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is thrilled to celebrate another fantastic year as major sponsor of Darwin Festival, the Northern Territory’s premier arts and cultural event. As a proud partner since 2011, ADG was delighted to support a festival that brings the best of local and international talent together over 20 vibrant nights, attracting over 177,000 visitors – a record-breaking turnout!

Airport Development Group Showcases Indigenous Engagement and Accessibility Initiatives at Aerospace Aviation Symposium