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The NT government is urging Darwin Airport not to “excessively” increase its user charges, saying they will result in higher airfares.
Darwin Airport’s owner, Airport Development Group (ADG), is revising its Conditions of Use (COU) charges for the airport from 1 August. The airport shares runways with RAAF Base Darwin.
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“We understand the Federal Government is in ongoing discussions with the Darwin Airport Group and the Defence Department about possible changes to charges,” said NT Tourism Minister Joel Bowden.
“The Northern Territory Government has made it clear to the Federal Government that we do not want excessive charges being passed on to the Darwin Airport and then onto Territorians.
“The Territory’s position has been made clear to the Defence Minister Richard Marles when he was in Darwin recently and through subsequent correspondence.”
A spokesperson for ADG said the company is “currently in consultation with its aviation customers about the revised charges”.
“ADG strictly adheres to the Aeronautical Pricing Principles set out by the Productivity Commission when setting user charges for its airports. There are many factors influencing pricing, including essential upgrades to infrastructure to ensure a safe, secure, amenable and efficient airport,” the spokesperson said.
“COU pricing applies to all aviation customers who do not already have a services agreement in place and was last revised in February 2024.”
At a press conference over the weekend, Transport Minister Catherine King confirmed that the NT government had raised the issue of high airfares with her.
“We have an aviation white paper about to be released that is looking at a raft of issues in relation to competition,” she said.
“Of course, when we have private airlines and private airports, all of those things do bring commercial interests to play, but we’re certainly very keen to make sure that we see improved services, and improved customer experiences – improved services to people with disability, for example – has been one of the focuses that I’ve brought to this portfolio as well.”
Darwin Airport last year opened a $30 million “airport resort” and released its 2023 Master Plan, which will provide a 20-year road map for land use as well as the development of new and existing facilities.
