Jetstar has temporarily halted flights from Darwin to Bali from October 9 to November 8, 2023 due to potential runway works by the Department of Defence. The airline said it has proactively stopped selling flights during this period to limit the number of customers potentially affected.
The Defence Department has not yet confirmed the dates and times of the runway works, but the Australian carrier said it is taking a “precautionary approach”.
Jetstar has said it will put the flights back on sale if the works do not go ahead on these dates.
The decision has been met with disappointment by some travellers, who have had their Bali holiday plans thrown into uncertainty. However, Jetstar said it is offering affected customers the option to rebook their flights or receive a full refund.
The runway works are part of a $100 million upgrade to Darwin Airport, which is being funded by the Defence Department. The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2024.
Impact on travellers
The temporary halt to flights from Darwin to Bali will have a significant impact on travellers. The route is popular with tourists and business travellers, and the disruption is likely to cause some inconvenience.
Jetstar is offering affected customers the option to rebook their flights or receive a full refund. However, this may not be ideal for all travellers, as it may mean having to change their travel plans or pay more for flights.
Impact on the tourism industry
The temporary halt to flights from Darwin to Bali is also likely to have a negative impact on the tourism industry in both Darwin and Bali.
Darwin is a popular gateway to the Top End, and Bali is a popular tourist destination for Australians. Furthermore, many from the Northern Territory choose to vacation overseas at the time of the year which will see the flight disruptions.
Bali is a perennial overseas destination choice for Australians, being relatively inexpensive, and also due to its close proximity to Australia.
The disruption to flights is likely to deter some travellers from visiting Darwin and Bali, which could have a knock-on effect on the tourism industries in both destinations.
What’s next?
The Australian Defence Department has said that the airport upgrade is necessary to “ensure the viability of the defence force in the north”.
The Northern Territory is a strategically important location for Australia, and the Department is responding to that to ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure in place to support its operations in the region.
The upgrade to Darwin Airport has been met with some concerns from the local community. Some people are worried that the works will cause disruption to flights and businesses in the area. Others are concerned about the environmental impact of the works.
The Defence Department has not yet confirmed the dates and times of the runway works, so it is unclear when Jetstar will be able to resume flights from Darwin to Bali. However, the airline said it will keep customers updated on the situation.
In the meantime, travellers who are planning to travel between Darwin and Bali during the affected period should contact Jetstar to check their flight status.
Conclusion
The temporary halt to flights from Darwin to Bali represents a significant disruption for travellers and the tourism industries in both Australia and Indonesia.
The Defence Department has not yet confirmed the dates and times of the runway works, so it is unclear when Jetstar will be able to resume flights. However, the airline said it will keep customers updated on the situation.
