The Indonesian airline is inspecting a possible commercial return to Darwin, with a team travelling to the Northern Territory to examine the local market.

Suspending flights to the NT in April 2009, local Chief Minister Terry Mills said the NT government wants Garuda to return but was now facing the challenge of “persuading airline executives there is a sound business case to do so”.

Expecting the Garuda team to arrive early next year, Mr Mills explained the group would be briefed on upcoming activity in the region including plans for proposed upgrades at Darwin Airport.