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Airnorth has officially launched its new service between Cairns and Alice Springs.
Flight TL362 took off from Cairns just after 1pm on Monday aboard the Embraer E190 VH-XFL. The route, operating three times per week, will add more than 30,000 seats annually between the Red Centre and Tropical North Queensland.
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“The Alice Springs–Cairns route strengthens Australia’s regional network, linking two dynamic destinations that offer unique tourism experiences and business opportunities,” said Airnorth chief executive Daniel Bowden.
“We’re thrilled to provide greater accessibility and choice for travellers.”
The new route means tourists can connect easily between the tourist hotspots of outback Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, and also allows residents of Central Australia to fly more easily to international destinations like Fiji and Japan, said Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker.
“Each destination offers unique attractions and rich cultural experiences, so tourists are usually keen to visit both regions while they’re here,” Barker said.
“This new, direct service will streamline their journey and prevent additional stops in capital city airports, which means more time for exploring the beauty of Tropical North Queensland and Alice Springs.”
Robyn Cahill, NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, said the Airnorth service will improve liveability in the Territory.
“This new service is a game-changer for Central Australia, providing greater access for visitors, businesses, and investors,” she said.
“Improved air connectivity is key to unlocking opportunities across tourism, trade, and regional development.
“This route will attract more visitors to the Northern Territory while also supporting business and industry growth. It’s a fantastic outcome for both regions.”
The launch of the Airnorth route to Alice Springs follows the recent arrival of Fiji Airways into Cairns, which is expected to add around 53,000 seats to the market.
The flights, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, align with Fiji Airways’ schedule from Nadi to Dallas–Fort Worth, offering a connection for Far North Queensland passengers travelling to and from the US.
“This fast, one-stop connectivity to North America is a game changer,” Barker said earlier this month.
“Destinations such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are now just 16 hours away, slashing nearly three hours of travel time and eliminating the need for additional stops in other Australian ports.”
For its part, Airnorth also last year launched a new service between Alice Springs and Perth, operating three times per week on E170s.
