Tigerair has temporarily suspended sales of flights to Bali after the Indonesian government unexpectedly cancelled an agreement with the airline.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The airline is sending empty planes to Bali to bring about 1000 stranded holidaymakers home to Australia by the end of Monday.
Tigerair spokeswoman Vanessa Regan said planning was under way to operate Virgin Australia relief flights from Bali to Australia from Tuesday if Indonesia did not grant approval for Tigerair to fly by the end of Monday.
She said sales of flights to Bali had been suspended for now but could resume any time.
"Tigerair has paused the sale of tickets as a temporary measure while we work through the new requirements from the Indonesian government," Ms Regan said.
"We have every intention of operating again as soon as possible.
"However, whilst we work through these issues it is the right thing to do by the consumer.
"There are no changes to bookings on upcoming services, with every intention to operate these per original schedule."
The Indonesian government notified Tigerair on Tuesday that the budget airline could no longer fly to Bali because it was not in compliance with the charter agreement.
The situation is understood to have arisen because of a departmental reshuffle in Indonesia.
Tigerair flights from Australia to Bali have been cancelled until Friday.
Services departing Bali from Tuesday and departing Australia from January 21 are under review.
"We continue to work closely and constructively with the Indonesian government on a number of options to work through a resolution as soon as possible," Ms Regan said.
