New Bali service in limbo

The proposed new Perth to Bali service is in limbo after Citilink blocked the flight on its website. The service was due to start from October 28 and was available a week ago but the airline then moved to block every service stating they are FULL. There has been no response for an explanation, although insiders suggest that the service may be delayed until early next year. WATCH: How tough is an Emirates A380? The one-way fare in November was showing on its website at US$107 or A$165. But in December, and into next year, the fare jumped to $US263 (A$404) one way. However, the website was confusing in that it states that baggage is extra but a red headline statement announces that the fare includes everything. At those fare levels, Citilink could be more expensive than Indonesia AirAsia which is quoting A$140 one way to Bali in November rising to $440 at the very peak of the Christmas period but quickly dropping back to A$140 in January. However, with Indonesia Air Asia, there are add-ons. The proposed Citilink flight QG542 leaves Denpasar at 1.10am and arrives in Perth at 4.50am, while the flight back to Bali departs at 9.50am and arrives at 1.30pm…. perfect for check-in. Citilink is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia in much the same way as Qantas and Jetstar. The airline serves 30 destinations in Indonesia with a fleet of 57 aircraft as well as Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Kunming in China, Penang in Malaysia and Dili in East Timor. Later this year the airline is expanding to Frankfurt and Kuala Lumpur. Citilink will do battle with Jetstar, Batik Air, its owner Garuda, and Indonesia Air Asia on the Perth route.