AirAsia Drop Bali Phuket Service

I'm in Bali and word in from Thai AirAsia is that the Phuket to Bali direct flight have been discontinued effective October 1st.
Travelers here are scrambling to find alternatives with the airline sending out notices to those holding tickets that refunds will be available.
No reason has been provided for the chance in service, though given the airlines move from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang at the beginning of the month, one could assume the issue is related.
The short notice certainly has provided people we have spoken to here with a valid complaint.
Personally this is one of my most traveled routes and now the choice for islanders is limited to flying via Singapore which means a day is spend versus the favorable existing timetable.