New Virgin Australia flights to Uluru are set to dovetail with Singapore Airlines services from the UK next summer.

Two new services to the Red Centre are to be introduced from Melbourne and Brisbane on June 6 and 7 to coincide with Northern Territory’s peak tourism season.

Virgin Australia, which previously served Uluru from Sydney prior to the pandemic, will run four flights a week from Melbourne and three a week from Brisbane, offering more than 62,000 seats.

The services are being introduced in partnership with the Northern Territory government and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operator of Ayers Rock Resort, helping to support the growth of the indigenous tourism sector.

SIA UK & Ireland general manager Mohamed Rafi Mar said: “As Australia’s most frequent visitor, with over 110 weekly flights to seven gateways in the country, we are delighted to offer even more choice to the land Down Under. 

“The Melbourne and Brisbane services to Uluru with Virgin Australia dovetail perfectly into our schedule, allowing customers to make one seamless booking on Singapore Airlines.”

Northern Territory tourism and hospitality minister Joel Bowden added: “Uluru is a must-do destination and a preferred destination for our international markets. 

“Today’s announcement will also increase connectivity for those international visitors travelling through Melbourne and Brisbane.”

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka, said: “We look forward to once again connecting Australians and international tourists alike, to the spiritual heartland of Australia.

“We are also proud to be offering direct flights to Uluṟu from Melbourne and Brisbane for the first time. The forecast demand from these cities, coupled with excellent connectivity from our international airline partners, will provide a much-needed tourism boost to the region. 

“Greater competition in the market and more seat capacity to Uluru will also provide travellers with more choice and value next time they fly to the Red Centre.”