AirAsiaX cleared for takeoff from Melbourne

AirAsiaX cleared to operate from Melbourne

The airline now expects to begin flights from Melbourne to Bali from March 17.

Indonesia AirAsia X has finally received the go-ahead to fly the Melbourne-Bali route later this month after defying the Australian regulator by selling tickets before gaining the necessary approvals.

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed last week that it has issued the air operator’s certificate only after the low-cost, long haul airline demonstrated that it met “all applicable safety requirements”. 

However, the approval comes too late though for some passengers who booked cheap Melbourne-Bali flights when they first went on sale last October.

Many were rerouted via Kuala Lumpur, or offered refunds and credits for other flights in compensation for the cancellation of flights which were due to launch late December last year.

The airline now expects to begin flights from Melbourne to Bali from March 17.