Phuket-Bali Flights: Aussie Breakthrough Tipped

By Chutima Sidasathian
Monday, October 4, 2010
FLIGHTS from Phuket to Bali are likely to be announced as part of a new schedule delivered by AirAsia next week. An aerial link between Southeast Asia's rival holiday destinations is keenly anticipated.

The General Manager of Thai AirAsia, Tassapon Bijleveld, said today that he could not reveal details of the new flights just yet. But he has told Phuketwan previously of his desire to initiate the Bali-Phuket route.
Share

Such a development would allow thousands of Australians to visit the two premium tropical island holiday destinations within a short space of time - and strike comparisons about tuk-tuk transport on Phuket and rabid dogs in Bali for themselves.

''I believe that it's the dream of many Aussies to fly to Bali and then on to Phuket,'' Khun Tassapon said. ''So far there has been no direct flight to help that dream come true.''

Phuket's new Governor, Tree Ackaradecha was invited to fly from Phuket to Bali today by Indonesia's Consul and Head of Mission, Heru Wicaksono, who is based at the Indonesian Consulate in Songkla..

Mr Wicaksono met the governor this afternoon after honorary consuls from Australia, Germany, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Holland, Italy, Norway and Ireland met the governor in a group this morning.

Next week's AirAsia announcement will reveal the reaction of the low-cost industry leader to moves by Bangkok Airways and Thai International and Tiger Airways to claim a larger slice of budget travellers in the Phuket region.

Phuketwan revealed the Bali-Phuket plans of AirAsia exclusively back in June. At the time, Khun Tassapon said Phuket could have direct flight links to Bali and Macau operating before next high season - provided normality returns, or the government makes it clear that some parts of Thailand have remained safe and continue to be safe for tourists.

Australians who visited Phuket often enjoyed Bali as well, so it was time to link the rival destinations, Khun Tassapon said in June. ''They can spend a few days in each and compare them both,'' he added.

''After all, these are the two most desirable destinations in the region. It makes sense to link them. Why have Sydney-Phuket, and Sydney-Bali, but not Phuket-Bali?''

Phuket has already been designated as an AirAsia hub, with daily flights to Hong Kong and other key destinations.