Thursday, July 4, 2024
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In a significant development for the global travel industry, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has revealed that six major international airlines are competing to increase their flight routes starting in October 2024. This Travel new announcement is expected to have far-reaching impacts on travelers worldwide, particularly those planning trips to Bali at the end of the year and into early 2025. The new routes will enhance the connectivity of Bali, making it more accessible to international travelers. This Tourism industry news highlights the increased interest from international airlines such as Air Busan, Jeju Air, and T’way Airlines from South Korea, as well as airlines from Taiwan, Russia, and China. The expansion of International Flights is set to boost Bali’s status as a premier travel destination.
Updates from Angkasa Pura I, the state-owned company managing I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, indicate that six foreign airlines have expressed interest in initiating direct flights to Bali. These airlines’ increased routes are anticipated to meet the growing demand for travel to this popular tourist destination.
Handy Heryudhitiawan, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I International Airport I Gusti Ngurah Rai, emphasized their openness to collaborations with any airline. He stated, “We are open with any airline; anyone wants to fly here, please. The important thing is that the time slot is still available and our capacity is in accordance with the type of aircraft that will be used.” This open policy is aimed at boosting tourism and ensuring that there is sufficient flight availability for all travel demographics.
Several airlines from South Korea, including Air Busan, Jeju Air, and T’way Airlines, have communicated their interest. Additionally, Starlux Airlines from Taiwan, which has previously flown to Jakarta, is planning to schedule flights to Bali from Taipei. Furthermore, airlines from Russia and Uzbekistan have also expressed interest in opening direct flight routes to Bali.
Heryudhitiawan mentioned that the closest likely addition would be Starlux Airlines, expected to begin operations in the winter session starting in October. These new routes are set to enhance connectivity and make Bali more accessible to international tourists.
Bali is on track to surpass its tourism targets for 2024 well before the year’s end. The island was projected to welcome 7 million international tourists in 2024, and by the end of April, it had already seen 4 million international arrivals. With the peak season underway and an average influx of a million international visitors during the Christmas and New Year holidays alone, Bali is set for a record-breaking year.
Securing direct flight routes with South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, and China remains a top priority. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish direct flights for tourists from Austria, Europe, and North America. These new routes will ensure a steady flow of visitors and support Bali’s thriving tourism industry.
On June 26th, Bali Airport celebrated the launch of a new direct flight service between Abu Dhabi and Denpasar, operated by Etihad Airways. This new service will run four times a week, with the potential to increase the frequency if demand continues to rise.
Speaking at the launch event, Heryudhitiawan remarked, “We believe that the addition of routes by Etihad will further establish the island of Bali as a world-class destination and is a form of our commitment to continue to improve services for service users. We express our appreciation to all parties involved for the realization of Etihad Airways’ maiden flight.” He further highlighted that the operation of Etihad Airways would open new market shares, positively impacting the island’s connectivity with various foreign destinations.
Heryudhitiawan concluded with a hopeful note, “We congratulate Etihad Airways on its inaugural flight on the Abu Dhabi-Denpasar route at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Hopefully, this first flight will be the start of a good long-term collaboration between Etihad Airways and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. We hope that Etihad airlines will open further routes on the island of Bali.”
Tags: Air Busan, bali, china, international flights, Jeju Air, new routes, Russia, south korea, T’way Airlines, Taiwan, Tourism industry News, Travel News
