AirAsia will begin flying to new destinations in Australia, as well as increasing the frequencies on existing routes. However, Darwin will be taken out of the destinations’ list.
Increased Frequency and Destinations to Australia
The airline has made this strategic move based on the public demand. AirAsia assessed where expansion of flights were necessary, and where the request was small. Through this assessment, AirAsia determined the necessary changes.
Within all the new changes, the greatest one is the creation of a new route between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Bali’s Denpasar Airport (DPS), which will begin March, 21. Additionally, the frequency of flights to Adelaide Airport (ADL) will be escalated. The service departing from Bali will now occur seven times per week.
Sydney and Melbourne also have new daily services linking the cities to Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia’s main hub. These services will include premium cabins and the option of flatbed seats. Perth Airport (PER) remains the carrier’s most flown to destination in Australia, with double daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and four daily Bali services.
Removal of Darwin International Airport
Darwin is one of Australia’s largest cities. Although that wasn’t enough for AirAsia to continue flying there. Beginning April 28, 2026, the carrier will end the services between Darwin and both Kuala Lumpur and Bali. The service from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin was launched in June 2025, meaning that it will end after being in operation for less than a year.
The reason for ending services to Darwin is from lack of demand. AirAsia expected great success from this service. However, the carrier was met with disappointing numbers, making the route no longer commercially viable.
AirAsia will refund customers who were impacted by the end of the service. The airline aims to complete the refunds within 14 days. In addition, the carrier, Darwin Airport, and the Northern Territory Tourism Board are working closely to ensure successful refunds.
What do you think of these new developments? Have you ever flown with AirAsia? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
