13 International Airlines Propose New Direct Flights to Bali

an airplane flying in the sky


Thirteen international airlines are considering the launch of direct flights to Bali, connecting the island with major markets such as China, Russia, Japan, India, and the United States. These potential routes are still in the planning stages.


According to Handy Heryudhitiawan, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali Airport, several airlines have expressed interest in securing slots for regular flights to Bali. Although some have submitted their requests, they have yet to begin operating these routes. Airlines that booked slots for the 2023 dry season are still in the process of entering the market.


"They must go through the process of reapplying for flight approvals, which includes finalizing their schedules and selecting the appropriate aircraft," Handy mentioned. The airport is currently waiting for final confirmations on these proposals.


Tjok Bagus Pemayun, Head of Bali’s Provincial Tourism Office, added that among the proposed airlines, three or four are based in China. Before the pandemic, Bali had direct flights from 15 Chinese cities, but these routes are not currently active.


Pemayun expects these flights to restart by March 2023, though specifics regarding the airlines or routes remain unclear. As it stands, Ngurah Rai Airport accommodates 24 international routes with 29 airlines. Pemayun is optimistic that the return of Chinese flights will contribute to Bali reaching its goal of 4.5 million foreign tourists in 2023, with China being the second-largest source of visitors to the island.


Expansion of South Korean Airlines' Direct Flights to Bali

In addition, South Korean airlines Air Busan and Jeju Air are preparing to introduce direct flights to Bali. This expansion is driven by growing demand from South Korean tourists, according to Angkasa Pura I, the operator of Bali’s airport.


"Bali continues to see strong demand for international flights," stated Handy Heryudhitiawan.


Both South Korean airlines are finalizing their plans, with the exact start dates yet to be determined. Jeju Air has already secured approval to operate routes connecting Incheon and Busan with Bali.


Currently, Garuda Indonesia and Korean Air provide direct flights between South Korea and Bali. Ngurah Rai Airport now supports 33 international routes served by 36 airlines, along with 19 domestic routes operated by 13 airlines.


In the first quarter of 2023, Ngurah Rai Airport handled 5.1 million passengers, representing a 17 percent increase from the same period the previous year. The airport has set a target of accommodating 23.6 million passengers by the end of the year.


Statistics from Indonesia’s Bureau of Statistics (BPS) indicate that South Korea ranked fifth among countries sending tourists to Bali between January and April 2023. During this period, the number of South Korean visitors rose by 37 percent, reaching approximately 82,000.


In addition, Etihad Airways has launched direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Bali as of June, utilizing Boeing 787-900 aircraft.


Bali's Top Attractions Await

As Bali becomes more accessible through new direct flights, visitors can look forward to exploring the island’s diverse attractions with greater convenience.


For nature enthusiasts, Bali offers stunning landscapes such as Mount Batur and the famous rice terraces, perfect for hiking and enjoying scenic views. Those interested in cultural experiences can visit sacred temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Meanwhile, beach lovers can relax at Bali’s popular beaches, including Seminyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua, where they can engage in water sports or simply unwind.


For travelers looking to explore beyond Bali, yacht charters are available for journeys to nearby islands. The Yacht Club Indonesia offers exclusive charters to destinations like Komodo Island, known for its Komodo dragons, and Raja Ampat, celebrated for its exceptional diving spots and rich marine biodiversity. Other beautiful locations like Alor and Flores provide serene settings, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and experiencing untouched natural beauty.

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