Major blow for holidaymakers as Virgin reveals the reason why it’s suspending direct flights from major Australian city to Bali
Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing MAX aircraft.
Holidaymakers can still travel from Adelaide to Bali with Virgin, but their journey time will now increase to around 14 hours, with passengers having to stop over in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a connecting flight.
A seasonal direct flight suspension is already in place until June 9, but will continue while the airline waits for new aircraft.
Affected passengers will be contacted by Virgin or their travel agent to offer alternative arrangements or “a full refund”, Virgin Australia said.
Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing MAX aircraft (Bali stock image)
“The continued suspension of this route is necessary to manage the impact on our international and domestic schedule due to the delayed delivery of new aircraft,” a Virgin Australia spokeswoman told the Advertiser.
‘We recognize that this decision will be disappointing to some guests and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
‘Guests wishing to discuss alternative arrangements available to them… are encouraged to contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Center on 136 789.’
South Australians can still get direct flights to Bali via other airlines.
The latest blow to travelers in the state comes after Batik Air Malaysia pulled out of Adelaide Airport two months ago.
The carrier suspended flights to and from Kuala Lumpur in February due to higher costs.
In March, Adelaide Airport chief executive Brenton Cox said he hoped to attract more airlines offering direct flights from Adelaide to major international cities.
Holidaymakers can still travel from Adelaide to Bali with Virgin, but their journey time will now increase to around 14 hours, with passengers having to stop over in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a connecting flight. A virgin airplane is depicted
“Currently only two-thirds of people traveling (internationally) to and from Adelaide can travel direct,” he told the Advertiser.
‘A third of those people have to go through another Australian capital, mainly Sydney and Melbourne.
“And that, quite frankly, is a loss of our market share.”
Mr Cox said the airport offers significant packages to attract airlines and will continue to do so.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Virgin Australia for further comment.