Whilst the idea of an extended holiday would be a dream for most, it’s become a nightmare for others. Thousands of Australians find themselves stranded as Jetstar cancels flights between Indonesia and Australia, leaving many frustrated and in search of compensation.
Chaos Ensues as Jetstar Cancels Flights from Bali
Since the beginning of September, multiple Jetstar flights departing from Bali (Indonesia’s popular capital) have been cancelled, which has left thousands of holidayers stuck. The cancellations are reportedly due to multiple factors, such as ‘engineering requirements’ and a ‘lightning strike’.
Passengers flying with the airlines have been offered alternative flights that have also seen cancellations, making customers feel worried about when they will be able to return to their jobs, family security, and money loss. This case has even seen customers having to pay hundreds of dollars to rebook flights with other airlines, as those waiting for a Jetstar rebook could be waiting for up to five days.
Jetstar fleet Affected by Not Only an ‘Engineering Requirements’, but a Bird Strike, too
Jetstar Airways is a part of the wider Qantas Group and currently operates as the third largest airline in Australia (based on domestic market share). Their fleet consists of 76 aircraft and they offer 19 domestic flights as well as 13 overseas destinations.
In a recent statement to Sky News Australia, Jetstar has apologised for the inconvenience the passengers have been enduring and has credited the flight cancellations to factors such as a lightning strike, a bird strike, and a delayed servicing of parts – all of which contribute to their engineering issues. Although the airlines have promised to rectify the situation with flight credit or a refund to those who no longer wish to travel on their scheduled flights, those who are currently optionless in Bali have taken to social media to voice their outrage and disappointment.
Jetstar Asia Announces More Weekend Services Amongst Flight Cancellation Situation
Just yesterday, Jetstar Asia announced their increase in weekend flights to destinations such as Bangkok and Manila, with Jetstar Asia’s Regional Sales Manager for South-East Asia, Mr Woo Wai Keong, having this to say:
“In July, Jetstar Asia’s Load Factor averaged over 90 per cent meaning we are welcoming more passengers on board our flights and are making the world more accessible for our customers again. By restoring and growing our short-haul network, we’re helping reconnect families and friends, giving our customers more opportunities to take a well-deserved break, while helping rebuild economies of the communities we fly to.”
This has been the only public statement issued by Jetstar in the past month. Many passengers have been searching for news and updates from the airlines as Jetstar cancels flights directing them back to Australia, but have only been able to rely on word of mouth and online sources, such as this. It puts into question why the airlines wouldn’t release an official apology or means of reassurance to customers caught in these times of uncertainty.
What are your thoughts on Jetstar’s cancellation of flights? Let us know in the comments below!
