Jetstar to Fly Townsville-Bali

2nd Sep 2015

In anticipation of the new Jetstar's Townville-Bali route, the Australia carrier has scheduled an inaugural flight for Wednesday night, which is scheduled for takeoff at 10:55 p.m. local time. The flight, JQ102, should reach the airport in Bali at 1:30 a.m. the day after. The returning flight from Bali to Townsville, JQ101, will depart at 2:30 a.m. and arrive at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday morning.

According to David Hall, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive, the non-stop service from Townsville to Bali means its residents will no longer have to go via Sydney or Brisbane to reach the popular tourist resort.

He also said he is more than confident that Townsville will have no problem supporting the airline's new service to Bali.

Hall said:

"We know Bali is one of the most popular holiday spots in Asia and we're delighted to bring a direct low fares link to the people of Townsville. As the largest city in North Queensland with a population close to 200,000, we're confident Townsville will continue to support our Bali services and ensure they're sustainable year-round."

The airport in Townsville hasn't seen any international flights since the now-defunct Strategic Airlines flew also to Bali from Perth and Townsville.

In February, the airport has finally received the green light to once again offer international flight services, following an 'in principle agreement of the National Passenger Processing Committee to facilitate international services'.

A statement from the state's government at the time read:

"Queensland Airports Ltd has already commenced talks to secure the first international air services into Townsville. There have been expressions of interest from a couple of airlines in actually commencing services, but it's been a barrier that there were no border protection services available."

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has also expressed an interest into offering international services from Townsville.