VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Adelaide to Bali flights suspended due to aircraft shortage

Virgin Australia’s direct flights have already been subject to a seasonal suspension between Sunday, April 28, and Sunday, June 9, but this has now been extended indefinitely as the airline awaits the delivery of new Boeing aircraft.

Boeing has delayed the delivery of 10 new 737 MAX aircraft resulting from the slowing in manufacturing output of the aircraft model caused by constraints imposed by American regulators due to quality control and safety concerns.

Alternative routes and carriers for Adelaide to Bali

Qantas-owned Jetstar still maintains some direct daily flights between Adelaide and Denpasar, Bali.

Otherwise, Adelaide-originating passengers will now face much longer, indirect routes to Bali. Options include via another Australian capital city, such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or even Perth. International carriers like Malaysian and Singapore Airlines also provide indirect routes.

While direct Adelaide to Bali flights take six hours or less, indirect routes take eight hours or more, depending on the stopover time.

What to do if you are booked on a Adelaide to Bali affected flight

Virgin Australia will be contacting all affected passengers and offering indirect flights, preferably on the same days as the passenger has already booked. If this is not possible, passengers will be offered a refund.

Presuming you had a booking on a direct flight between Adelaide and Bali, and have not been contacted by Virgin Australia yet, then contact them if in Australia on 13 67 89. If you booked through a travel agent or online booking site, then you should contact them in the first instance.

2PAXfly Takeout

Adelaide Airport has seen more international routes return since COVID-19 and is determined to attract even more. This Virgin Australia hiccup is a blow to that ambition.

On the other hand, it has welcomed back international carriers Emirates and Singapore Airlines recently. This adds to existing airlines Batik Air, Qatar, Air New Zealand, Malaysian and Fiji Airways.

Adelaide departures are good to watch for the occasional bargain. It’s not a large market. Sometimes international carriers offer some tempting discounts for overseas departures if their planes are not full.