DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia AirAsia will suspend two flight routes connecting Australia and Bali starting June 18, 2026, as airlines face increasing operational pressure from rising global jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The affected routes are Melbourne – Denpasar and Adelaide – Denpasar, according to statements reported by Australian media outlet News.com.au on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Indonesia AirAsia General Manager Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman said the decision was driven by the continued increase in global aviation fuel prices.
“This decision was taken in response to the ongoing rise in global jet fuel prices caused by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East,” Achmad said.
The increase in aviation fuel costs follows escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have pushed global crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel, according to reports cited by News.com.au.
The situation has significantly increased operating costs for airlines, particularly for medium- and long-haul international routes.
AirAsia stated that the company is now focusing operations on routes considered commercially sustainable under current market conditions.
Passengers who have already purchased tickets for the affected routes are currently being contacted by the airline.
AirAsia said travelers will be offered alternative flight options, including connections through Kuala Lumpur for onward travel to Bali.
“We understand this decision affects travel plans that may have been arranged long in advance, and we apologize for the inconvenience caused,” Achmad said.
The suspension comes only months after AirAsia announced the Melbourne–Denpasar route in March 2026.
Meanwhile, the Adelaide–Bali service had previously seen expanded frequencies from four flights per week to daily operations due to strong tourism demand.
During peak travel periods, the airline had even planned to increase Adelaide–Bali services to 10 weekly flights before rising fuel costs disrupted the expansion plan.
The impact of soaring fuel prices is also being felt across the wider aviation industry.
Air New Zealand has reportedly increased ticket prices while warning of potential larger annual financial losses, and U.S.-based Spirit Airlines has also faced operational pressure linked to high operating costs.
The latest route suspensions highlight how global energy market instability is beginning to directly affect international travel and tourism connectivity, including major tourism destinations such as Bali.