An international airline has indefinitely suspended direct flights between the country’s capital and Bali.
It has only been four months since Batik Air launched flights between Canberra and Denpasar.
The Malaysian airline has since paused the route and has not announced if or when flights will resume.
Batik Air said the decision was “not taken lightly” and followed a thorough review of commercial and operational factors and the need to prioritize long-term sustainability.
“The suspension was deemed necessary to ensure Batik Air can continue to operate efficiently across its route network,” a statement said.
“It reflects a commitment to ensuring the reliability and quality of service that passengers expect.”
“Batik Air recognizes the impact this suspension may have on its passengers and is actively reviewing the Denpasar-Canberra route.”
Affected passengers will receive a full refund or alternative travel arrangements.
Malaysian airline Batik Air has suspended direct flights between Canberra and Bali
Bali is a very popular destination for Australian tourists. The photo shows Kuta beach
‘Batik Air sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused. “The airline looks forward to resuming services on the Denpasar-Canberra route as soon as possible,” the airline added.
Canberra Airport officials have expressed their disappointment.
“While new routes often take time to build momentum, we also understand that the airline has faced operational challenges,” said airport chief Michael Thomson.
“We remain committed to working closely with our airline partners to improve connectivity and provide our community with the best travel options.”
More than a million Aussies flock to the Indonesian island holiday hotspot every year
The suspension of Batik Air’s flights between Canberra and Bali comes just two months after the number of flights per week was reduced
The ABC reported that there was controversy from the very first Batik Air flight between the two destinations in June.
The airline was investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for flying below safe altitude levels.
The ATSB labeled it a ‘serious incident’ and no passengers were injured.
Just two months later, the airline cut the Canberra-Bali service from three flights a week to two.
In February, Batik Air Malaysia announced it would cancel all flights between Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur while reducing the number of weekly flights between the South Australian capital and Bali from four to two.
Earlier this year, Batik Air received a “strong reprimand” from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport after a disturbing incident on January 25.
The pilot and co-pilot fell asleep for about 28 minutes during a flight from the island of Sulawesi to the Indonesian capital Jakarta.
The pilots eventually responded to calls from air traffic control in Jakarta and the plane landed safely.
A report from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport found that the pilot was reportedly tired from helping his wife care for their newborn twins.
More than a million Aussies flock to the Indonesian island holiday hotspot every year.