‘Welcome news’: Virgin’s big change to Bali flights

Virgin Australia has made a big move regarding flights to a holiday destination that Australians love, with tickets up for grabs from today.

South Australians searching for a nearby overseas getaway will now be able to book Virgin Australia, as the airline has reintroduced one of the most iconic Australia-Asia routes.

On Wednesday, the airline announced it would again operate flights between Adelaide and Bali, with tickets available immediately.

Flights will resume on December 14, with daily departures between then and January 2022 and flights three days a week after.

South Australians are being offered $399 return flights to Bali.

Tickets will be offered at a discounted rate of $399 return if booked before September 25, with alternative airlines still charging as much as $500 plus each way.

Virgin Australia chief strategy and transformation officer Alistair Hartley said the new route reflected the growing demand of people travelling to Bali.

“Adelaide is incredibly important to Virgin Australia, it’s our sixth largest port by scheduled flights, so we know this will be welcome news for South Australians and the perfect opportunity to get back to the skies with our great value fares and award-winning crew,” he said.

Virgin Australia has reintroduced flights from Adelaide to Bali. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the returned route was a positive step for international travel.

“The state government is working with Adelaide airport and airlines to grow capacity and provide greater connections globally as we aim to recover our once $8.1bn visitor economy,” Ms Bettison said.

Adelaide airport managing director Brenton Cox thanked Virgin Australia for their investment and vote of confidence in the Adelaide market.

“There is significant pent-up demand for South Australians wanting to head out and see the world, some for the first time in three years,” Mr Cox said.

“It’s exciting to see more international capacity deployed to fulfil this demand.”

Demand for Virgin flights to Bali has risen 190 per cent on pre-Covid travel numbers.

The year-round SA service will provide more than 2500 seats between the two destinations every week.

Demand for Bali travel is up 190 per cent on pre-pandemic conditions.