Exciting new route for Aussies as direct flight links two idyllic destinations

Australians keen on the sun and surf have had their prayers answered by an exciting announcement made by Virgin Australia.

Virgin will soon be the first Australian airline with a direct flight from the Gold Coast to Bali, as eager travellers make fast work of catching up on time lost during the pandemic.

The carrier made the exciting announcement on Tuesday, revealing the new service would begin from March 29 next year.

The direct flight will take about six-and-a-half hours, with 2200 seats per week flying between the popular holiday destinations.

Seats are available to book now, with travellers planning for next year currently able to secure return tickets for just over $500.

Virgin Australia will operate a Gold Coast to Bali direct flight from March next year. Picture: Brendan Radke

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the addition was a reflection of how popular travel between the Gold Coast and Bali had become in the aftermath of Covid travel bans.

“We are currently seeing continued growth in travel demand for Gold Coast services and are operating up to 180 domestic flights outbound each week,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“In May alone our Gold Coast bookings were up 55 per cent compared to 2019, with bookings on our existing Bali flights up 48 per cent for the same period and growing every week.

“With the addition of the new international terminal to the Gold Coast Airport and demand for Bali rising, the time is right to connect these two famous holiday destinations as well as the surf breaks, wellness activities and night-life that comes with them.”

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mill said he was certain the new route would be a hit.

Bali is once again brimming with Aussie tourists. Picture: iStock

“This service, linking two of the world’s top surf and lifestyle destinations, will be extremely popular with locals,” Mr Mills said.

“We have seen significant growth in Virgin Australia services in and out of Gold Coast Airport through the travel recovery, and this is a clear demonstration of what can happen with a strong partnership.”

And surfers will be pleased to note the airline has confirmed there will be no extra charges to bring a standard board with you.

“Surfboards enclosed in a protective hard-case bag, with fins removed, that weigh less than 23kg and are shorter than 3m incur no excess baggage fees and are considered part of your checked baggage allowance when you book a Choice or Flex fare with Virgin Australia,” a statement said.

The flights will depart from and arrive at the Gold Coast’s new airport. Picture: Mark Stewart

The flights will depart from and arrive at the Gold Coast’s new $500 million international terminal, due to open mid-2022.

The announcement came as flights to Bali from Sydney are set recommence from Wednesday, while those from Melbourne and Brisbane will be back up and running on Friday.

Virgin Australia’s short haul international operations continue to grow, with Virgin Australia also soon planning to resume services to both Vanuatu and Samoa alongside its services to Fiji, Bali and Queenstown, New Zealand.