Jetstar has announced the return of its flights between Darwin and Bali after a three-week hiatus due to runway repair works at the Darwin International Airport.

The airline will resume its services with up to six direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali, with the first Airbus A320 aircraft taking off from Darwin on October 31.

“We’re back flying Territorians direct to Bali from next week,” Jetstar chief operating officer Matt Franzi said in a statement.

“These services have always been incredibly popular, so we know the three-week suspension of the route for runway upgrade works was frustrating. A big thanks to customers for their understanding and patience and we look forward to welcoming them back on board.”

The airline will also be offering one-way fares between Darwin and Bali for just $149 during its Friday Fare Frenzy sale, to celebrate the route’s return.

The sale starts at 10.30 am and ends at 6.30 pm, with flight fares returning to $204 after that.

Jetstar said the decision to temporarily stop flights between the two routes was made due to the scheduled works at Darwin Airport.

The airline had earlier contacted customers with booked flights and have discussed their options including indirect flights via another port, a travel credit or a refund to their original form of payment.

Jetstar is carrying around 95,000 travellers to and from the two destinations for this year.

The $200 million upgrade and repair works at the Darwin Airport will help support military and civilian air traffic into the NT and will ensure the integrity of runways and taxiways, as well as the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Runway works will be suspended during the wet season and recommence in April 2024.

“The Darwin airport works are being sequenced to minimise the impact on tourism and the local community,” Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure, Air Commodore Ron Tilley said.