AirAsia Indonesia launched its maiden flight to Cairns Airport (CNS) on August 15, 2024.
Flight QZ 542 departed Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport at approximately 23:45 local time on 14 August 2024 and arrived in Cairns at 06:00 local time the following day.
The A320 aircraft was greeted with a water salute and flew back to Bali shortly after 07:00 local time after passengers departing from Cairns had boarded.
Flights between Bali and Cairns are offered three times a week according to the following schedules:
According to Cairns Airport, these services will add more than 28,000 seats to the Cairns market in the first year.
“AirAsia is one of the world’s most recognised airline brands and is recognised in the industry as Asia’s first low-cost and budget airline. We are delighted to welcome AirAsia Indonesia to Cairns Airport for the very first time today,” said Richard Barker, Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Airport, in a statement.
“This new service will bring tremendous benefits to our region and many key industries. Providing seamless, cost-effective connections from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and inland Indonesia to Cairns will increase visitor numbers and business opportunities from these large, populous markets.
Bali is also a very popular destination with locals and we know this new service will be well received by holidaymakers across Tropical North Queensland,” added Barker.
Apparently, AirAsia Indonesia sees the new route as an opportunity to promote tourism in both destinations.
“We see great demand, not only for this new direct route. Everyone loves Bali, but at the same time we see many opportunities to bring our international guests closer to the incredible tourism highlights of Far North Queensland, such as visiting the Great Barrier Reef – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and the amazing, world-famous rainforests,” said Veranita Yosephine, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia.
Yosephine added: “Conversely, Indonesia and Asia in general continue to be popular holiday destinations for Australians seeking an affordable and unique experience.”
