An international airline has indefinitely suspended direct flights between the country’s capital and Bali.
It’s only been four months since Batik Air launched flights between Canberra and Denpasar.
The Malaysian airline has since paused the route and has not announced if or when flights will resume.
Batik Air said the decision was “not taken lightly” and followed a thorough review of commercial and operational factors and the need to prioritize long-term sustainability.
“The suspension was deemed necessary to ensure Batik Air can continue to operate efficiently across its route network,” a statement read.
“It reflects the commitment to ensuring the reliability and quality of service that passengers expect.”
“Batik Air recognizes the impact this suspension may have on its passengers and is actively re-evaluating the Denpasar-Canberra route.”
Affected passengers will receive a full refund or alternative travel arrangements.
Malaysian airline Batik Air has suspended direct flights between Canberra and Bali.
Bali is a very popular destination for Australian tourists. In the photo, Kuta beach.
“Batik Air sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused… the airline looks forward to resuming services on the Denpasar-Canberra route as soon as possible,” the airline added.
Canberra Airport officials have expressed disappointment.
“While new routes often take time to build momentum, we also understand that the airline has faced operational challenges,” said the airport’s head of aviation, Michael Thomson.
“We remain committed to working closely with our airline partners to improve connectivity and provide our community with the best travel options.”
More than a million Australians come to this Indonesian island on vacation every year.
The suspension of Batik Air flights between Canberra and Bali comes just two months after the number of weekly flights was reduced
He alphabet reported that there has been controversy since Batik Air’s first flight between the two destinations in June.
The airline was investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for flying below safe altitude levels.
The ATSB called it a “serious incident” and no passengers were injured.
Just two months later, the airline reduced its Canberra-Bali service from three weekly flights to two.
In February, Batik Air Malaysia announced it would abandon all flights between Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur while reducing the number of weekly flights between the South Australian capital and Bali from four to two.
Earlier this year, Batik Air was “strongly reprimanded” by the Indonesian Ministry of Transport after a disturbing incident on January 25.
The pilot and co-pilot fell asleep for about 28 minutes during a flight from the island of Sulawesi to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
The pilots eventually responded to calls from Jakarta air traffic control and the plane landed safely.
A report from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation revealed that the pilot was tired of helping his wife care for their newborn twins.
More than a million Australians flock to this Indonesian island every year.