Athletes Touch Down in the Top End Ahead of 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships

International athletes have officially arrived in the Top End, touching down at Darwin International Airport ahead of the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships, marking the beginning of an exciting week of world-class sport in Northern Australia.

More than 23 nations are represented at this year’s Championships, bringing elite athletes, officials, and supporters to Darwin as the region showcases its capability to host international sporting events.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to partner with NT Athletics and the Oceania Athletics Association to deliver a memorable arrival experience for competitors from across the Pacific and beyond.

As the gateway to the Top End, Darwin International Airport provides the first and last impression for visitors travelling to Northern Australia, and ADG is committed to ensuring athletes are welcomed with an experience worthy of international competition.

Beyond the Championships, the Northern Territory is increasingly recognised as an ideal destination for high-performance training and pre-competition preparation ahead of the 2032 Summer Olympics and 2032 Summer Paralympics.

With tropical climate conditions, world-class facilities and proximity to Asia-Pacific nations, Darwin offers athletes a unique environment to prepare for global competition.

We are proud to work alongside NT Athletics and Oceania Athletics Association to showcase the best Australia has to offer. Events like the Oceania Athletics Championships demonstrate why the Northern Territory is fast becoming a preferred training and competition destination as nations prepare for Brisbane 2032.”

ADG Executive: Sandra de Kock

“Darwin International Airport is the gateway to the Top End and the first experience many international visitors have of Australia”.

“We are proud to work alongside NT Athletics and Oceania Athletics Association to showcase the best Australia has to offer. Events like the Oceania Athletics Championships demonstrate why the Northern Territory is fast becoming a preferred training and competition destination as nations prepare for Brisbane 2032.”

Oceania Athletics Association President:  Robin Sapong-Eugenio

"The Oceania Athletics Championships bring together athletes from across our region and beyond”.

“Hosting the event in Darwin highlights the Northern Territory’s outstanding capability to deliver international competition, while providing athletes with ideal conditions as they prepare for major global events, including the World Athletics Championships, World Para Athletics Championships, and World Masters Athletics Championships as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games”. 

Let the Games begin!