AirAsia Axes Bali-Cairns Route, Stranding Travellers and Sparking Calls for Reform

Travellers have been left scrambling after Indonesia AirAsia abruptly announced it will suspend flights between Denpasar and Cairns from next month, citing a “network optimisation initiative.” The decision comes just a year after the budget carrier launched the three-weekly service, which had been hailed by Far North Queensland tourism operators as a valuable link to a major holiday market.

Frustration has boiled over on social media, with passengers reporting difficulties securing refunds or alternative flights. Some say they will be forced to book with other airlines to get home, as the cancellation takes effect mid-holiday.

Adding to the anger, the airline was still selling one-way tickets for more than $800 triple recent fares just a week before the announcement. While return flights from Cairns to Bali will operate until next month, the sudden move has intensified pressure on the federal government to introduce stronger consumer protections for airline passengers.