Major blow for holidaymakers as Virgin reveals the reason why it’s suspending direct flights from major Australian city to Bali

Virgin Australia has suspended direct flights from Adelaide to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing MAX planes.

Holidaymakers can still get from Adelaide to Bali with Virgin, but their travel time will now blow out to about 14 hours with passengers having to stop over in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a connecting flight. 

There is already a seasonal direct flight suspension in place until June 9, but this will continue as the airline waits for new planes. 

Affected passengers will be contacted by Virgin or their travel agent to provide alternative arrangements or ‘a full refund’, Virgin Australia said.

‘The continued suspension of this route is necessary to manage impacts to our international and domestic schedule as a result of the delayed delivery of new aircraft,’ a Virgin Australia spokeswoman told the Advertiser.

‘We acknowledge this decision will be disappointing for some guests and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

‘Guests who wish to discuss alternative arrangements available to them … are encouraged to reach out to the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 136 789.’

South Australians can still get direct flights to Bali through other airlines.

The latest blow to travellers in the state comes after Batik Air Malaysia pulled out of Adelaide Airport two months ago.

The carrier suspended flights to and from Kuala Lumpur in February due to higher costs.

In March, Adelaide Airport’s managing director Brenton Cox said he hoped to attract more airlines offering direct flights from Adelaide to major international cities.

Holidaymakers can still get from Adelaide to Bali with Virgin, but their travel time will now blow out to about 14 hours with passengers having to stop over in Brisbane , Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a connecting flight. A Virgin plane is pictured 

‘At the moment only two thirds of people travelling (internationally) to and from Adelaide can go directly,’ he told the Advertiser.

‘A third of those people are having to go through another Australian capital city, predominantly Sydney and Melbourne.

‘And that, quite frankly, is a loss of our market share.’

Mr Cox said the airport puts significant packages up to attract airlines and will continue to do so.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Virgin Australia for further comment.