Air New Zealand will significant enhance its operations in Bali next year, almost doubling its seat capacity to Denpasar and extending the duration of its flying season by almost two months.

The airline currently operates two weekly from Auckland to Bali’s international airport between the end of May and mid-October, increasing to three services per week during peak times.

But next year, the airline’s Bali season will start at the beginning of April with up to five services operating per week using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Air New Zealand’s chief revenue officer, Cam Wallace, said the decision was taken due to Bali’s continued popularity among passengers.

“The increase in services between Auckland and Bali, as well as the extension to the seasonal service represents year on year growth of more than 90%,” Wallace said. “Today’s news will give leisure travellers more options when it comes to getting to Bali, with more than 1,500 seats available per week each way at peak times.”

The airline’s 2018 Bali flights are already on sale.