Virgin Australia announces direct flights from Gold Coast to Bali
Direct flights are starting between the Gold Coast and Bali for the first time, saving holidaymakers hundreds of dollars. Find out the prices and when they are available.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HISTORY-MAKING new direct daily flights from the Gold Coast to Bali hit the skies from Wednesday night in a move tipped to save locals hundreds when heading to Indonesia.
Virgin Australia has launched the Gold Coast to Bali flights, marking the first ever direct link between the two holiday destinations.
It will be daily during peak periods.
Virgin Australia chief strategy transformation officer Alistair Hartley said they had released a Gold Coast to Bali sale with fares from $419 return, running until April 3.
“We are incredibly excited to see this service take off, representing the latest step in growing our international footprint, which consists of over 500 destinations around the world through Virgin Australia and our partner airlines,” he said.
According to the Indonesian embassy, more than a million Australians visit Bali each year, making it one of the most popular holiday destinations for Aussies.
“We now operate more than 40 services a week between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast,” Mr Hartley said.
“It is clear Australians want to get out and travel and have a wonderful experience along the way.”
Queensland Airports Limited chief commercial officer Adam Rowe said the direct route was a reflection of the increased appetite for international travel, especially to Bali.
“This new connection makes Bali holidays quicker and easier for Gold Coast and Northern NSW locals, removing the need for connecting flights, or long trips up the motorway.
“We expect the service will be particularly popular for those planning surfing or wellness retreats.”
Mr Rowe said the first GoldCoast-Bali flight was 80 per cent full.
“We are really happy with the demands,” he said. “We have long believed in this route, so it was great to hear Virgin Australia announce they would put in this route.”
Mermaid Beach local Leigh Fox, who heads to Indonesia for a surf trip annually, said it would save him hundreds by not travelling via Brisbane Airport.
Virgin said surfboards in protective hard-case bags, fins removed, shorter than three metres and weighing under 23 kgs, would incur no excess baggage fees.
“The no oversized baggage fee is a major plus, as it saves approximately $100 return,” he said.
“Virgin will definitely become the preferred airline for Gold Coast surfers.
“I will most likely be travelling with them on my next surf trip.”
Mr Fox said getting a flight from Gold Coast was much more convenient, using Uber to the airport, rather than paying for parking at the Brisbane Airport.
However, he said he hoped Virgin would introduce flights arriving earlier - it lands 10.15pm in Bali.
Gold Coast Airport is also preparing for the return of direct Gold Coast-to-Kuala Lumpur flights on April 1.
More Coverage
‘Don’t handcuff her’: Woman’s meltdown as cops moved in
A Gold Coast woman’s protective instincts to comfort a family member during a stolen car bust has gone horribly wrong and landed her in court. Read what went down.
Tent City evictions: Police and council workers move in
Police and council workers have arrived at the Carey Park tent city in Southport in a bid to evict remaining campers.