Air New Zealand Launches Year-Round Direct Flights to Bali.
Leading global airline Air New Zealand has announced that it will now offer direct flights from Aotearoa, New Zealand to Bali all year round. This exciting development is a major milestone for travelers who have faced challenges in securing convenient travel routes to the popular Indonesian destination, particularly during the winter months.
Until now, travelers from New Zealand had to endure layovers in Australia when flying to Denpasar outside the March to October window. Airlines like Qantas and Jetstar offered these services, which extended the travel time significantly. Direct flights were only available during the seasonal window, creating an inconvenience for those planning winter getaways.
Air New Zealand’s new direct flight service to Bali will now operate throughout the year. The frequency of these flights will vary according to the season. From April to October, the service will run between five to seven times a week. During the low season, specifically from the middle of February to the end of March, the frequency will reduce to twice a week. This flexibility ensures that travelers have consistent options regardless of the time of year.
To celebrate this milestone, Air New Zealand is offering promotional ticket prices starting at $699. This promotion will run until the 23rd of June, 2024, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to book their Bali vacations at a reduced rate.
Leanne Geraghty, Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, shared insights on the new service. “Bookings to Bali have been robust since we reinstated our seasonal service in March 2023. This year’s seasonal flights have proven even more popular, with thousands of Kiwis booking Bali breaks over the last few months.” The success of the seasonal flights has evidently spurred the decision to extend the service year-round.
One of the most significant benefits of the new direct flights is the reduction in travel time. Previously, travelers faced journeys lasting between 12 to 18 hours due to layovers. The direct flights will cut this down to approximately 9.5 hours, making it much more convenient and less exhausting for tourists.
With the introduction of the year-round service, over 800 seats will be available per week on flights from New Zealand to Denpasar. This increase in availability is expected to meet the high demand from travelers, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
In addition to Air New Zealand’s expansion, two South Korean airlines, Air Busan and Jeju Air, have also announced new direct flights to Bali from Busan. This development will make it easier for South Korean tourists to travel directly to Bali, bypassing previous layovers in Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur. This surge in direct flights underscores Bali’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.
Etihad Airways is also joining the list of airlines enhancing their services to Bali. Starting from the 25th of June, Etihad will launch a new direct flight service from Abu Dhabi International Airport to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The service will operate four times a week using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The outbound flight, EY 476, will depart Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 22:25 PM, arriving in Bali at 11:35 AM. The return flight, EY 477, will depart from Denpasar on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 18:45 PM, landing back in Abu Dhabi at 23:45 PM.
Bali Airport is poised for a record-breaking year in terms of passenger traffic. By the end of April 2024, over 5 million tourists had passed through the airport’s domestic and international terminals. The General Manager of Bali Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, has predicted that the airport could handle up to 23.6 million passenger movements in 2024. This surge in traffic is a clear indicator of Bali’s rising popularity post-pandemic.
Given the expected increase in tourist numbers, it is advisable for travelers to utilize the e-visa on arrival option. Arranging a visa before arriving in Bali allows tourists to use the newly installed autogates, expediting the arrivals process and reducing wait times at the airport.
The introduction of Air New Zealand’s year-round direct flights to Bali marks a significant improvement in travel convenience and accessibility for New Zealanders. With reduced travel times, promotional ticket prices, and increased flight availability, this new service is set to enhance the overall travel experience. Coupled with the ongoing expansion of international flight services to Bali, tourists can look forward to a more streamlined and enjoyable journey to one of the world’s most beloved holiday destinations.
FAQs
What are the new flight routes offered by Air New Zealand? Air New Zealand now offers year-round direct flights from Aotearoa, New Zealand to Bali, Indonesia.
How often will the new direct flights operate? The flights will operate five to seven times a week from April to October, and twice a week from the middle of February to the end of March.
What are the promotional ticket prices? Promotional ticket prices for the new direct flight service start at $699, available until the 23rd of June, 2024.
How will the new flights impact travel time to Bali? The direct flights will reduce travel time from approximately 12-18 hours with layovers to about 9.5 hours.
What should travelers know about Bali Airport’s new facilities? Travelers are encouraged to use the e-visa on arrival option to expedite their entry through the newly installed autogates at Bali Airport.
