Yep, the world has changed. Probably forever in some ways, and definitely long term in many ways.
There will be fewer people flying. Even after restrictions are eased, people just won't have the money they used to have. After using Zoom etc for many months, businesses will change and there will be less business flying.
So air travel will have to become more economical. If that means using hubs rather than P2P and using smaller planes and using airports with lower charges, then that will be the price of doing business.
https://www.investopedia.com/bank-of...e-1706-4844284.
https://www.fin24.com/Economy/World/...years-20200508
Would the government be more willing to invest in an expansion of Darwin airport?
Or will manufacturers and carriers be more willing to invest in project sunrise aircraft?
Would you get enough pax from east coast, Adelaide, NZ and south pacific to connect to London via Darwin each day? I expect so.
I also expect you would get enough pax to serve other European cities several times a week.