China Southern to suspend Guangzhou-Darwin route

Nearly a year after its launch, China Southern will suspend its services to Darwin, Australia.

China Southern’s last flight to Darwin from Guangzhou will take place on December 3. The only route connecting Mainland China and the main city of Australia’s Northern Territory was previously launched in December 2025.

The Guangzhou-based airline has been operating thrice-weekly flights between the two cities using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Covering a distance of around 4,417 kilometers, it is currently the longest air route from Darwin.

Responding to the withdrawal of China Southern’s services to Darwin, airport operator Airport Development Group (ADG) said: "Although ADG is disappointed by the airline's decision, decisions regarding individual routes and service schedules are commercial decisions made by airlines.”

ADG has advised travelers from Darwin going to cities in China and other international destinations have connecting options through established hubs such as Singapore, Denpasar, and Dili.

While exiting from Darwin, China Southern will continue to operate flights from Guangzhou to five cities in Australia: Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. In addition, China Southern also operate flights between Shenzhen and Sydney.