Tuesday, August 5, 2025
In a surprising development, Jetstar Asia has stopped operating after serving customers for 20 years. This shutdown has impacted travel to Bali, especially the Bali-Singapore route, profoundly inconveniencing regular commuters and tourists. Passengers intending to travel with the Jetstar Asia will have to look for alternate ways to complete their travel.
Jetstar Asia’s Closure: A Sudden Move
On July 31, 2025, Jetstar Asia completed its final flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Kuala Lumpur, marking the end of its operations. The decision to cease services, first announced in early June 2025, came as a shock to many. The airline had been an important player in the region, providing affordable travel options for both tourists and business travelers.
Jetstar Asia, part of the Qantas Group, was based in Singapore and operated several routes across Southeast Asia, with its most popular services linking Singapore to Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and other key destinations in the region. The airline’s low-cost model made it a favored option for budget-conscious passengers.
Impact on Bali Travel and Singapore to Bali Flights
Jetstar Asia’s operational suspension has severely impacted the Bali-Singapore service that saw 28 return flights a week. This route was vital for both tourism and business. Now, travelers going to Bali are forced to look for alternative carriers for this well-trafficked route. Fortunately, tourism for Bali has not taken a toll yet. There are still 9 other airlines that offer flights from Singapore to Bali; these include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Singapore Airlines.
For travelers who had booked flights on Jetstar Asia, the airline is offering refunds and alternative travel options. As of August 2025, Jetstar’s support teams are reaching out to affected customers. While many have already been redirected to other carriers, there are some who are still awaiting new travel arrangements.
Job Losses and Employee Support
The closure has resulted in significant layoffs, with more than 500 staff members affected. However, Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone mentioned that over 54% of the employees have already been offered new positions within the broader airline industry. A small number of employees will remain to support regulatory processes and final administrative tasks until the end of the year.
Simeone assured the media that efforts have been made to support employees during this transition. Some employees are exploring other career opportunities, while others are waiting for responses from potential employers.
Airline Alternatives to Bali
Despite the loss of Jetstar Asia, travelers heading to Bali have no shortage of alternatives. As of August 2025, several other airlines continue to operate frequent services between Singapore and Bali. These airlines include:
- Indonesia AirAsia
- Garuda Indonesia
- Lion Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Batik Air
- Jetstar Airways (Australia)
- Scoot
- KLM
- Saudia
These airlines provide a range of full-service and low-cost travel options, ensuring that tourists and business travelers alike can still access Bali. Moreover, Jetstar Airways, part of the same parent company, has recently launched a new direct Bali-Australia flight, reinforcing the continued demand for services to this popular tourist destination.
The Future of Jetstar Asia and Southeast Asia’s Aviation
Although Jetstar Asia has ceased operations, its parent company Qantas still operates flights to and from Asia, including major tourist hotspots like Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. The closure of Jetstar Asia underscores a broader shift in the aviation industry whereby low-cost carriers are being squeezed out of the market by larger airlines offering the same services. The shift in the airline industry, particularly in Southeast Asia, is also a result of the pandemic’s lingering effects and evolving travel preferences.
The Closure’s Impact on Bali’s Tourism
Bali’s tourism sector suffered a lot during the last few years and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, the island seems to be recovering, especially with the increasing number of international arrivals. Although Jetstar Asia’s discontinuation of the Bali–Singapore route is a setback, other airlines still provide access to the island for tourists. Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia, for instance, are expanding their services to meet the recovering travel demand to the island.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how other low-cost carriers expand their operations on the Singapore-Bali route to fill the gap left by Jetstar Asia’s closure.
Supporting Tourism in Bali Amid the Disruptions
While Bali’s tourism officials are worried how the airline’s closure will impact the local economy in the business travel segment in the short term, the arriving European and Middle Eastern travelers signal Bali tourism’s resilience. Bali can still be visited by leisure and business tourists as major airlines still have flights to the island.
Bottom Line
The closing down of Jetstar Asia operations is significant for the airline and impacts travel, specifically the Bali-Singapore route. It is, however, more manageable for travelers dosed with inconvenience due to the alternative numerous options for connecting flights. Bali’s tourism industry stays strong, and with ongoing initiatives to offer affordable travel, the island is highly likely to continue to be a favorite among global tourists.
