Darwin to Bali flights are set to resume with Air Asia in the coming month, delivering a tourism and economic boost for both destinations.
The airline will operate three direct services a week from March 22, delivering more than 1,000 seats weekly.
The new route will make it easier for Territorians to holiday and do business in Indonesia also serving as an international hub to onward destinations across AirAsia’s network.
Fares go on sale today, starting at $189 one way and Territorians can look forward to seamless connections via Bali to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Komodo Island starting from around $300.
The CLP Government has welcomed the news, with Minister for Asian Relations Robyn Cahill calling it a “huge win.”
“This new service will serve to support access between the Territory and our northern neighbours facilitating mutually beneficial trade, investment, study and skilled migration; as well as leisure visitation,” Ms Cahill says.
“The AirAsia Group is a globally respected aviation company so resuming flights to Darwin will give confidence to business and leisure visitors looking to travel to the Territory.”
Ms Cahill also flagged efforts to grow aviation access for Territorians.
“We will continue to work with industry to secure more aviation services and ensure we have more flights coming into the Territory.”
Indonesia AirAsia CEO Veranita Yosephine says the airline is thrilled to deliver more value and choice for Territorians.
“Bali is now our largest hub in terms of flight capacity, driven by strong demand,” Ms Yosephine says.
“These direct flights will cater to the enduring popularity of Bali as a destination for Australians and offer great low fare connections to over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network.”
“At the same time, millions of guests from across Asia will be welcomed to the Northern Territory…[to] discover the extraordinary culture, wildlife and natural beauty of Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land and other iconic locations where the tropics meet the outback.”
Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Sandra De Kock says there is strong local demand for travel to Bali.
“Territorians have been calling for more options to fly to Bali, and we’re excited to deliver with the return of AirAsia,” Ms De Kock says.
“Bali has long been the number one holiday destination for Darwin residents, and these flights will undoubtedly see a surge of travellers embarking on their Indonesian adventures.”
