Indonesia is experiencing a significant surge in international connectivity, with five major airlines launching new routes to the country, boosting its tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) announced that Jeju Air, Batik Air Malaysia, Air Asia, Starlux, and China Southern Airlines are all set to begin international flights to Indonesia.
Air Asia has already taken the lead, launching several new routes in recent months. These include Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei to Jakarta on August 2, 2024; Kota Kinabalu to Denpasar on August 9, 2024; Phuket to Denpasar on August 10, 2024; and Cairns to Denpasar on August 15, 2024.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese airline Starlux is preparing to inaugurate its new route from Taipei to Jakarta on September 1, 2024.
These expansions in international routes are strategically designed to strengthen Indonesia’s connectivity with key markets that contribute significantly to the country’s tourism sector. This includes major destinations like Malaysia, Australia, China, Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan.
In related news, Scoot Airline announced the addition of two new destinations to its network: Kertajati in Indonesia and Melaka in Malaysia. The airline is also expanding its fleet with the addition of two new aircraft. Scoot’s CEO, Leslie Thng, highlighted the significant demand for Southeast Asian destinations since the airline introduced its Embraer E190-E2 aircraft in May 2024.
Jeju Air Co., Ltd., South Korea’s first and largest low-cost carrier, is a founding member of the Value Alliance. Beyond its airline services, the company also owns a Holiday Inn Express in Seoul. The airline’s name is inspired by Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination in South Korea.
These developments are a testament to Indonesia’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and its commitment to enhancing international connectivity. The increased accessibility will undoubtedly attract more visitors from around the world, contributing to the growth and success of Indonesia’s tourism industry.
