Jetstar has today announced the launch of its first international service from Townsville with flights to Bali set to commence from 2 September 2015.*

The three times weekly service will deliver more than 50,000 seats between Townsville and Bali each year.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said it was clear Townsville residents were eager to see direct international flights offered out of the airport.

“We pride ourselves on opening up exciting new travel opportunities and we’re delighted to be launching our first international flights from Townsville,” Mr Hall said.

“Our bookings show thousands of Townsville residents choose to fly to Bali via our other Australian airports. We expect to see this market grow with the introduction of a direct low fares offer that will appeal for families and groups of friends.

“Of course, these flights will also offer a great opportunity for the local tourism sector, with travellers from Europe and North America increasingly looking at multi-destination itineraries in the Asia Pacific region.”

The commercial launch of these services follows close consultation with the Federal Government about the cost of international security screening out of Townsville Airport in January 2015.

Mr Hall said he was grateful for the support of the Federal Government and Townsville Airport in resolving this matter.

“These flights wouldn’t have been viable without a cost-effective customs and security solution and I thank Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss and Ewen Jones for their part in making this launch possible,” Mr Hall said.

With a flight time under five hours, services will depart from Townsville on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 22:55 and arrive in Bali at 01:30 the following day. Return services will depart Bali at 02:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and arrive same day in Townsville at 09:15.

* Flights subject to government and regulatory approval.