Explore More: New Direct Flight Routes to Bali and Jakarta Set to Transform Regional Travel

This year marks a significant expansion in air travel options to Indonesia, particularly to Bali and Jakarta, with the introduction of several new direct flight routes.

Etihad Airways will launch a direct service connecting Bali with Abu Dhabi, enhancing connectivity between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Plans are also underway for new direct flights linking South Korea's Busan with both Bali and Jakarta, expected to bolster tourism and cultural exchanges. Meanwhile, Starlux Airlines will debut a Taipei-Jakarta route from September 1, 2024, offering luxury travel experiences with Airbus A321neo aircraft.

This article explores the details of these exciting new routes and their potential impact on regional travel.

On June 25, Etihad Airways will launch a new direct flight to Bali, connecting the island with the United Arab Emirates.

The airline has acquired new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners specifically for this route.

Flights from Abu Dhabi will depart four times a week:

One-way ticket prices start at 11,800,000 IDR ($723).

This route is expected to attract long-haul travelers as it provides another convenient transfer option.

Plans for two new direct flights connecting South Korean Busan with Bali and Jakarta are also in the works.

Bali's tourism industry professionals are eagerly awaiting their launch, anticipating an increase in visitors from South Korea. Additionally, these flights may be highly sought after by young Indonesians interested in K-pop culture.

"We are looking forward to these flights being launched as we want more foreign tourists to come not only to Bali but also to Jakarta," said Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, during a weekly briefing.

"For example, if there are two flights a day, we hope that the number of foreign tourists will increase by about 50,000-100,000 people," he added.

Initially, there may be six flights a week between Busan and Jakarta. Two airlines, Air Busan and Jin Air, have already announced their intention to operate them. Additionally, Air Busan will operate four flights a week on the Busan-Bali route.

Currently, flights between Busan and Bali are operated by Korean Air and China Eastern Airlines, but these are not direct routes. Travelers must make a transfer either in Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur.

The final addition to the roster of new direct flights is the Taipei-Jakarta route operated by Starlux Airlines, slated to begin on September 1, 2024.

Starlux Airlines will deploy Airbus A321neo aircraft for this route, promising travellers a blend of modern comfort and efficient service between Taiwan's capital and Indonesia's bustling Jakarta.

The Taipei-Jakarta flight will operate five times a week: every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Departure from Taiwan Taoyuan Airport is at 13:30, with arrival at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport scheduled for 8:10. The flight duration is 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Tickets for these flights are already available on the airline's website, priced starting at 5,882,000 Indonesian rupiahs ($360) for September 2024.

Minister Uno highlighted that the launch of Starlux Airlines flights to Jakarta responds to high demand for luxury travel, estimating that 20% of Indonesian travellers opt for this level of service. Starlux Airlines is well-suited for this market, having been named Taiwan's leading "boutique carrier" in 2020. Known for its luxurious amenities such as high-resolution screens and leather headrests on seats, Starlux Airlines also features crew uniforms designed by renowned Taiwanese designer Sean Ingle, blending 1940s and 1950s fashion with functionality and futurism.

With this launch, Starlux Airlines will become the third Taiwanese full-service carrier operating Taipei-Jakarta flights. China Airlines (CAL) and EVA Air currently offer multiple daily flights to Jakarta using larger wide-body aircraft.

With these new flight routes set to launch, travellers can look forward to enhanced connectivity and convenience when visiting Bali and Jakarta, underscoring Indonesia's appeal as a key destination in Southeast Asia.

Sources: Starlux, Business Traveller, Kompas.