Virgin Australia suspends direct Adelaide to Bali flight

Looking to escape Adelaide’s chilly weather for the blue skies of Bali? Be prepared for 14 hour flight times via the east coast.

Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali due to the delayed delivery of new Boeing MAX aircraft.

The airline confirmed its seasonal direct flight suspension, from April 28 to June 9, was ongoing as it waits for 10 new planes.

People booked to travel to Bali from June now have travel times of up to 14 hours to fly via Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Passengers will be contacted directly by the airline, or their travel agent to provide alternative arrangements or “be offered a full refund”.

Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali due to the delayed delivery of new Boeing MAX aircraft. Picture: David Clark

Passengers who have booked to fly with the airline now face travel times of up to 14 hours to via Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Picture: Rex

“The continued suspension of this route is necessary to manage impacts to our international and domestic schedule as a result of the delayed delivery of new aircraft,” the spokeswoman said.

“We acknowledge this decision will be disappointing for some guests and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

“Guests who wish to discuss alternative arrangements available to them … are encouraged to reach out to the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 136 789.”

Jetstar operates up to 14 direct flights a week between Adelaide and Denpasar, with direct daily flights to Bali dependent on peak periods such as school holidays.

The latest news comes after Batik Air Malaysia pulled out of Adelaide Airport in February.

The airline suspended flights to and from Kuala Lumpur due to operation costs.

The announcement came a day after the state government announced Emirates would recommence direct daily flights to and from Adelaide.

Airport managing director Brenton Cox last month outlined a focus to get pre-Covid airlines back and target other non-stop services to Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines and the US.