In a major boost for domestic tourism, Bonza has annouced Darwin and Alice Springs as the airline’s newest destinations.
The airline will add 12 new flights per week to and from the Northern Territory (NT) with three new routes - Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne to Alice Springs. Bonza’s entrance to the NTwill add more than 116,000 seats per year to the Top End and Red Centre combined.
The new routes are a result of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme that aims to create more competition in the NT skies.
Flights are on sale today (September 20th 2023) with the Sunshine Coast-Darwin route priced from $149pp (one way) starting on 29 November; Gold Coast-Darwin also priced from $149pp (one way) starting on 1 December and Melbourne-Alice Springs starting from $139pp (one way) commencing on 12 December.
Speaking at Darwin Airport today, Bonza CEO Tim Jordan praised the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which he said was pivotal in attracting Bonza to the region and would bring the NT closer to more Aussies than ever before.
“This initiative from the NT Government will increase airline competition, create local jobs and provide a purple jolt to the Territory’s tourism and associated industries. We welcome the game-changing move, which will mean more affordable travel options for Territorians to leisure destinations,” said Jordan.
The airline’s debut in the NT marks its fifth State or Territory and 20th and 21st destinations on its current route map.
“Our purple army of supporters have been asking us to add the NT to our route map and today I’m humbled to share the great news from Darwin. Visitors from the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast can now fly direct to the Top End without transferring through a major city airport. The people of Melbourne can now access Alice Springs without it breaking the bank,” added Jordan.
“The news today also gives Territorians the opportunity to visit loved ones or holiday in SE Queensland, Melbourne and surrounds. Our team of legends look forward to connecting Territorians to loved ones in time for Christmas this year,” he added.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed Bonza to the NT, a result of the recently launched Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which strongly underpins the Government’s commitment to accessible and affordable air services.
“The Territory Government has been relentlessly pursuing more commercial routes for the NT – and today’s announcement is a result of this work. This is a huge coup for Territorians with Bonza bringing new routes for Sunshine Coast to Darwin, Gold Coast to Darwin and Melbourne
to Alice Springs, creating more options for residents and visitors alike,” said Minister Fyles.
Travellers are encouraged to download the latest version of the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.
Darwin and Alice Springs routes
| From | To | Fares starting from(pp one way) | Days of week |
| Sunshine Coast | Darwin | $149 | Wednesday, Saturday |
| Darwin | Sunshine Coast | $149 | Thursday, Sunday |
| Gold Coast | Darwin | $149 | Tuesday, Friday |
| Darwin | Gold Coast | $149 | Wednesday, Saturday |
| Melbourne | Alice Springs | $139 | Tuesday, Saturday |
| Alice Springs | Melbourne | $139 | Tuesday, Saturday |
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