Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
The Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA – Chief Minister, Northern Territory
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price – Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians and Government Efficiency
Senator Dean Smith – Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
23 April 2025
The Coalition has today announced a bold plan to supercharge the Northern Territory economy, deliver cheaper, more frequent flights, boost tourism and expand local trade by unlocking Darwin as Australia’s northern aviation gateway.
For too long, Territorians have endured some of the highest airfares and poorest aviation service levels in the country. The Albanese Government has failed to act, protecting major airlines, blocking competition, and ignoring the unique transport needs of Northern Australians.
A Dutton Coalition Government will establish a two-year trial allowing international airlines to carry domestic passengers and freight to and from capital cities around Australia removing outdated laws which have kept Darwin airfares high and restricted services.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Coalition will work with the Northern Territory Government to open Darwin’s skies to greater competition, reduce airfares, and create new export pathways for local farmers, horticulturalists and fishers.
“The Coalition wants to get the cost of NT flights down to boost tourism and increase options to travel to see family or do business with other states,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Air travel is not a luxury for the Northern Territory – it’s a necessity. This policy is a practical, strategic step to fix what Labor has failed to address: connectivity, competition, and opportunity for the Top End,” Senator McKenzie said.
It is estimated allowing international airlines to carry domestic passengers to and from Darwin and the east coast would deliver widespread and lasting economic benefits for both the Northern Territory and the broader Australian economy:
- $101 million economic uplift to NT economy, driven by expanded connectivity, increased tourism, and enhanced exports;
- $209 million growth in NT export revenue
- 25,000 additional domestic and international tourists visiting the NT;
- $50 million estimated new annual visitor spending;
- $17.4 million growth in horticulture and seafood exports;
- support 35 full-time direct jobs within the NT, with many more created across logistics, tourism, and agriculture.
- $980 million growth in national GDP, increasing exports by $330 million, and support the creation of 355 new jobs across Australia
Expensive airfares aren’t just a cost-of-living issue – they’re costing the Territory its fair share of tourism and trade.
Every dollar spent on overpriced airfares is a dollar that could otherwise be spent in Territory cafés, hotels, or tourism attractions. When Territorians and tourists are forced to pay more just to travel, it’s the NT economy that misses out.