Qantas is to start a new one-stop service from London to Darwin via Singapore.

The route will run from December 9 to provide a new option to reach Australia’s Northern Territory as well as links to onward domestic destinations.

The Singapore-Darwin service will connect from Qantas flight QF2 from London.

The onward flight will initially operate five days a week with  two-class Embraer E190 aircraft providing the Darwin link, increasing to daily from March 2025.

Qantas last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.

Fares from London to Darwin start at £1,536 return and are available from today (Wednesday).

Qantas International chief executive Cam Wallace said: “We’re thrilled to be offering our customers another new international route and making it more convenient for those wanting to start off their Australian adventure with some iconic Top End experiences.

“This new route also allows us to restore the link from the UK which was established when international borders first reopened after the pandemic and we temporarily re-routed our London flight via Darwin.

“As Australia’s national carrier, we’re committed to showcasing the best of Australia to visitors from around the globe. 

“This new service makes it much easier for Qantas customers from the United Kingdom to incorporate Darwin into their Australian itinerary and experience everything the Territory has to offer.”

Northern Territory tourism and hospitality minister Joel Bowden said: “This is a significant milestone for Darwin’s aviation capacity and fantastic news for Territorians looking for more choice, competitiveness and connectivity.

“The new flights will benefit locals wanting to travel overseas and also connect our ever-growing cohort of business travellers with international markets.

“Qantas’ commitment to the Territory reinforces our profile as a must-do destination for international visitors and we commend them on today’s announcement.”