Jetstar cuts almost half of Darwin to Bali flights, ruins holiday dreams for Darwin residents

HOLIDAY plans for many Territorians have been ruined following the announcement that Jetstar will cut almost half of its flights between Darwin and Bali.

Jetstar's second Dreamliner aircraft has been parked at Cairns Airport since new years eve. Possible breakdown/maintenance issue.

HOLIDAY plans for many Territorians have been ruined following the announcement that Jetstar will cut almost half of its flights between Darwin and Bali starting next month.

Jetstar currently flies between Darwin and Denpasar daily but will offer just four direct flights per week from October 26.

The move has left many Territorians scrambling to reorganise their holiday accommodation and annual leave dates, with some being forced to cancel their trips.

Jetstar spokesman Stephen Moynihan last week told the NT News the airline was not going to cut any flights between Darwin and Bali but backflipped on the comments yesterday.

He said the decision to can the daily flights was a result of “consumer demand” and “increasing competition on international services from Darwin”.

“Jetstar regularly reviews its schedules to ensure it aligns services with market demand,” Mr Moynihan said.

“From 26 October Jetstar will offer four direct services a week between Darwin and Denpasar and several other one-stop connecting services via Singapore.”

Flights times will also change, with the Darwin to Denpasar departures moving from 7.30pm to 12.30am. Denpasar to Darwin flights will soon depart at 6.10pm instead of 11.20pm.

Mr Moynihan said any customers affected by the changes “will be offered a choice to move to another service or a full refund”.

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“We apologise for any inconvenience to our customers but we have had to make these changes in light of current consumer demand and the increasing competition on international services from Darwin,” Mr Moynihan said.

Darwin resident Rachel White said her Christmas holiday to Bali has been ruined as a result of the changes.

“I received an email on September 11 changing my flight (from 7.35pm, December 24) to December 23 at 12.30am,” Ms White said.

“There were no other flights that they could offer me other than (December 23) and Christmas Day night via Singapore.

“I’m really disappointed, as we can’t go to Bali, as planned for Christmas, due to this and getting extra time off work.

“I requested a refund — they said (it would take) 15 working days.”

Ludmilla resident Jessica Dix said she was forced to cut her Bali holiday short after being contacted by Jetstar and told her return flight on November 4 was cancelled.

“It would have been the longest trip my husband and I had been on in five years,” Ms Dix said.

“We’ve already paid for accommodation, so will lose some money there, and we can’t extend our holiday because we’re small business owners so the only option was to come back earlier.”

Jetstar flights from Darwin to Denpasar will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from October 26

Jetstart flights from Denpasar to Darwin will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from October 26