Recently, an aviation blogger revealed that starting from December 3, China Southern Airlines will launch a new route between Guangzhou and Darwin:
*Operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8, with three flights per week;
*Route distance: 4,399 km, with a flight time of 5.5 hours;
*Scheduled flight times: Guangzhou 21:55 – Darwin 05:55 (+1), Darwin 07:30 – Guangzhou 12:25.
In May 2018, Donghai Airlines launched the Shenzhen–Darwin route, with two weekly flights operated by the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This was the first intercontinental route from China flown with a narrow-body aircraft.
However, the service struggled with poor performance. Industry insiders noted that the passenger load factor remained below 40% for a long period, which ultimately led to its suspension.
So why is China Southern now targeting Darwin?
Some observers speculate that the airline aims to develop Darwin as a transit hub.
Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, was named after British biologist Charles Darwin, who visited the area in 1839.
Located at the country’s northernmost tip, the city serves as an important gateway connecting Australia with Asia.
It has a highly diverse population, including Indigenous Australians, Southeast Asian and East Asian immigrants, and a significant Chinese community.
According to China Southern, for the 2025 winter-spring season, the airline will further increase capacity on its Australia routes. With peak-season additions, its China-Australia network will reach a maximum of 74 weekly round-trip direct flights.
