Aussie service to Bali axed after four months

A major airline has suspended its service from this Aussie city to Bali after just four months of operation.

A major Malaysian airline has axed its Canberra to Bali route after just four months of operation.

Batik Air confirmed it will cancel the newly opened route temporarily on Thursday, with no specific date set for its relaunch.

The first Batik Air flight departed from the Australian capital to Denpasar – the location of Bali’s main airport – in June this year to offer increased travel opportunities.

Batik Air suspends flights between Canberra and Denpasar. Picture: Batik Air

However, it proved to be a rocky start with the inaugural flight investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for flying below safe altitude levels, according to the ABC.

While none of the passengers were injured, the ATSB labelled it a “serious incident”.

It was also meant to be a three flights per week service, however two months after its launch, it was dropped to two.

It comes after just four months of introducing the new route.

The route was to service demand between the two locations, however, Canberra Airport head of aviation Michael Thomson said it was slower-than-expected.

In a statement, the Malaysia-based airline said the decision to suspend the route was made following a “thorough assessment of all commercial and operational factors and long-term sustainability”, adding it was “not made lightly”.

In a statement, the Malaysia-based airline said the decision to suspend the route was ‘not made lightly’.

“The suspension was deemed necessary to ensure that Batik Air can continue to operate efficiently across its entire route network,” the statement read.

“It reflects a commitment to ensuring the reliability and quality of service that passengers expect.”

“Batik Air recognises the impact this suspension will have on its passengers and is actively reassessing the Denpasar-Canberra route.”

The airline said impacted passengers will be provided with a full refund or alternative travel arrangements.

The airline said impacted passengers will be provided with a full refund or alternative travel arrangements.

“Batik Air sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused … the airline looks forward to resuming services on the Denpasar-Canberra route at the earliest opportunity,” the airline continued.

Canberra Airport’s aviation head Michael Thomson said while new routes often require time to build momentum, they understand Batik Air has faced operational challenges.

“We remain committed to working closely with our airline partners to enhance connectivity and provide our community with the best travel options.”

Meanwhile, in February the airline announced it would also reduce flights between Adelaide and Bali from four times weekly to two times weekly, and scrap the Adelaide-Kuala Lumpur route entirely.