Indonesia AirAsia X cancels flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Bali

Indonesia AirAsia X will end its flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Bali on September 1, in a move that will frustrate travellers but could benefit rival carriers Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia and Garuda Indonesia. "The suspension of these services is part of a network restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiencies at Indonesia AirAsia X," the airline said. The AirAsia affiliate began non-stop flights from Melbourne to Bali in March 2015, four months later than it had expected, after delays in receiving Australian regulatory approvals that led many upset customers to seek refunds. It launched Sydney-Bali flights in October 2015, meaning it will have lasted less than a year on the route. Customers who have already booked the low cost carrier's flights to Bali for dates after the flight cancellations are being offered the opportunity to reroute by Kuala Lumpur, move their flights to an earlier date or receive airline credit or a full refund. Indonesia AirAsia X had operated A330 aircraft with 377 seats on its five weekly flights from both Sydney and Melbourne to Bali, meaning its exit will result in a significant decline in non-stop capacity to and from the popular holiday destination.<br/>