WA residents await news of return flights between Port Hedland and Bali

Many residents in WA's north are eager to return to Bali for a holiday. (AP: Firdia Lisnawati)

Northern West Australians itching to return to Bali will have to wait a while longer for the return of direct flights to the region.

WA's hard border reopened to interstate and international travellers on Thursday after almost 700 days.

Port Hedland International Airport chief executive Dave Batic said residents were desperate to know when they would be able to fly directly from the mining town to Bali.

"That's the first question they ask, 'When is Bali coming back on?'," he said.

"I've only been here for a very short time but everyone I've met so far either lives in Bali or has family in Bali or visits there.

Port Hedland International Airport's Mr Batic said everyone wanted to know when Bali flights would resume. (ABC News: Verity Gorman)

Mr Batic said Virgin Australia had announced it would resume its Port Hedland to Bali service.

"It's a tourism destination, always has been, but I think with the proximity to Bali from Port Hedland it is a natural option for people who want to live there.

"So, I think you know Bali will continue to be a great option for liveability for locals and as a residential option.

"Bali has opened up, they want tourists to come back, but obviously they want their residents back there as well."

Bali has been a popular holiday destination for residents in WA's north. (Supplied: Grand Hyatt Bali)

Mr Batic said as well as the resumption of flights to Bali, discussions were underway to reinstate direct flights between Port Hedland and Brisbane and Melbourne.

"I think the demand for the direct east coast destinations will come on again in probably the next six to 12 months," he said.

Resource sector tipped to drive flight demand

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy said it was looking interstate to fill worker shortages in the local mining industry and tens of thousands of extra workers would be needed over the next five years.

"Most people in WA who want a job at the moment have one and so we need to access workers from somewhere else," chief executive Paul Everingham said.

Mr Batic said he expected the resource sector would drive demand for more interstate flights.

"With the borders coming down and the desperate need for a workforce here, we think that'll be the first indication of increased traffic through the region," he said.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy is looking interstate to fill worker shortages in WA's mining industry. (Supplied: Chamber of Minerals and Energy)

While reinstating flights to Bali would be a priority, Mr Batic said other international destinations were also being considered.

"We do want to look at other markets such as Singapore and possibly the Philippines or Jakarta," he said.