Darwin-Kupang flights to
re-open
Merpati
and Airnorth join forces to re-open
Darwin-Kupang route. Flights are
scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays:
- departs
Darwin 11.15 am
- arrives
Kupang 11.45 am
- departs
Kupang 12.45 pm
- arrives
Darwin 16.10 pm
Economy class is
AUD$425 return and Business class is
AUD$515 return (plus taxes of AUD$82.50
return).
Contact:
Merpati
Nusantara Airlines
27/21 Cavenagh Street
Darwin NT
Phone : +618 8941 1606
Fax : +618 8941 1960
Email : merpatidarwin@octa4.net.au
Merpati Office in Kupang: (0380) 833
833
Background:
Flights were discontinued in 2000, when
the UN classification of West-Timor rose
to a level-5 risk, denoting extreme
danger. The UN decision was probably
unjustified, however, as hostilities were
not apparent in Kupang at the time. On
the other hand, the refugee camps,
situated near the border to East Timor,
were definitely considered dangerous for
Westerners to visit. It is conceivable
that the UN had over-reacted to an attack
on its own people, in which the victims'
bodies were mutilated. The consequence of
suspending air travel to Kupang was a
devastating blow to local business, as
tourist numbers fell dramatically.
Please note that Merpati or Airnorth may
change flight schedules from time to
time.
Copyright © 2007 Ina Tali/Francesca Von
Reinhaart.
© Raijua.com
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