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China Southern Airlines is dropping its direct seasonal flights between Darwin and Guangzhou.
The Chinese “big four” carrier, which began services to Darwin less than a year ago, will operate its last scheduled flight from Darwin on 3 December. Flights have operated three times per week.
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“Although ADG is disappointed by the airline’s decision, decisions regarding individual routes and service schedules are commercial decisions made by airlines,” a spokesperson for Darwin Airport operator Airport Development Group said.
“ADG continues to work closely with airlines and industry partners to support the ongoing development of Darwin’s aviation network and understands that airlines regularly review their schedules and route networks in response to a range of commercial and operational factors.
“While the direct China Southern service will be suspended, travellers from Darwin continue to have connectivity to China and other international destinations through established hubs including Singapore, Denpasar, and Dili.”
ADG has said it “continues to actively engage with airline carriers and other aviation partners about opportunities to strengthen Darwin’s international connectivity and attract new services and connections to the Territory”.
“Air services are an important part of connecting the Territory to national and international markets, supporting tourism, trade, investment, education, business and the movement of Territorians and visitors,” the spokesperson said.
“As these discussions are commercial-in-confidence, ADG does not comment on specific airline negotiations or potential routes until arrangements are confirmed.”
The route had been held up as a big win for the NT when it was announced in August 2025, with the territory’s Trade, Business and Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill saying it would “improve choice, connectivity and competition to our local aviation sector”.
“Increasing aviation access to key Asian markets is an important part of our Rebuilding the Economy Strategy to support mutually beneficial trade, investment and international students,” she said.
It had been expected to deliver 52,000 seats annually between the two cities, with onward connections through China Southern’s Guangzhou hub.
Darwin has seen several international routes axed or cut back in recent months, including AirAsia services to Denpasar and Kuala Lumpur, and Qantas flights to Singapore, though Aero Dili commenced a new service to East Timor in June.
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