Jetstar halts Darwin-Bali sales amid questions over runway works

Jetstar has paused ticket sales between Darwin and Bali for a month amid uncertainty around Defence runway works at Darwin Airport. The low-cost carrier confirmed in a statement that it has stopped selling direct flights between Darwin and Denpasar – which operate five times per week – from 9 October to 8 November, as Defence, which owns Darwin Airport, may have plans to upgrade the runway during this time. “While the dates and times of the runway works have not yet been confirmed, we have proactively stopped selling flights during this period to limit the number of customers potentially affected. If the works do not go ahead on these dates, we will put the flights back on sale,” the airline said, adding that it has not yet cancelled already-booked flights. “Once the works are confirmed, we will contact customers already booked to fly to discuss their options including indirect flights via another port, a travel credit or a refund to their original form of payment. We thank customers for their understanding and patience as we wait for confirmation about the timing of the runway works.” Darwin and Toowoomba Wellcamp are the only major Australian airports to be owned by the Department of Defence, though Newcastle Airport’s runway is co-located with RAAF Base Williamtown.<br/>