Travelers seeking a direct link between two of Southeast Asia’s most beloved tourist destinations can now rejoice. AirAsia has officially launched a new non-stop flights connecting Bali, Indonesia, with Phuket, Thailand. This exciting development marks a significant expansion of AirAsia’s international routes in the region, promising easier access for tourists traveling between these two popular locations.
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Flight QZ 246 took off from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at precisely 4:00 PM WITA, carrying 161 eager passengers. The journey concluded smoothly as the flight landed at Phuket International Airport at 6:40 PM local time, marking the successful inauguration of this direct connection.
AirAsia’s Head of Government Relations and Communication, Eddy Krismeidi, expressed his enthusiasm about the new route, highlighting its potential to boost tourism in Indonesia.
“We are thrilled to contribute to the increase in international tourist arrivals to Indonesia through this new flight. This is just the beginning, as we plan to introduce more routes from Denpasar in the near future,” Eddy stated, reflecting the airline’s broader ambitions.
The introduction of the Bali-Phuket route is a strategic move by Indonesia AirAsia, making it the sixth international route operated from the Denpasar hub and the fourth to be launched this year alone.
This direct flight, which lasts approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, was celebrated in traditional Balinese style, with a symbolic gamelan performance and the distribution of special merchandise to passengers, adding a cultural touch to the inaugural journey.
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With flights scheduled three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—the new route is expected to cater to a growing demand from travelers seeking direct access between these two tourist hotspots. The decision to open this route was driven by the promising market potential, as both Bali and Phuket are consistently ranked among the top travel destinations for international tourists.
Eddy further revealed AirAsia’s plans for expanding its international routes, with new connections set to launch in August 2024. These will include routes linking Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, and even Australia.
“Next week, we will launch the Denpasar-Cairns, Australia route. Following that, in October, we will open a Denpasar-Hong Kong route. Additionally, we plan to add another route from Jakarta to Hong Kong,” Eddy disclosed, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to expanding its reach across the region.
Statistical data supports the timing of this new route. According to the Central Statistics Agency, the number of international tourists from Thailand visiting Indonesia saw a significant increase in 2023. The total number of Thai visitors rose by 82.88%, reaching 111,786, compared to just 61,128 in 2022. Moreover, by March 2024, hotel revenues in Bali had shown substantial growth, with the occupancy rate of star-rated hotels climbing to 52.71%, a 12.70% increase over the same period the previous year.
As AirAsia continues to explore new opportunities and expand its international offerings, the direct Bali-Phuket flights stand out as a testament to the airline’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing connectivity within Southeast Asia. For travelers, this new route promises a more convenient and seamless travel experience, linking two of the region’s most iconic destinations.
