Bali Airport Set to Expand Flight Routes, Enhancing Travel Options for Tourists
Traveling to and from the stunning island of Bali is poised to become easier and more affordable, as the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport announces plans to add at least 14 new flight routes starting in 2025. This expansion promises to significantly enhance air connectivity, creating a wealth of new opportunities for both domestic and international travelers.
New Routes Inaugurate Greater Accessibility
Faik Fahmi, the President Director of Injourney Airport, outlined the ambitious plans during a recent press briefing. He stated, “The addition of these routes is part of the strategy to increase air connectivity and support the growth of the tourism and economic sectors in Bali and Indonesia in general.”
The new international routes will connect Bali with a variety of exciting destinations, including Bangalore, India; Canberra, Australia; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Moscow, Russia; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; Busan, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. The domestic routes are set to link Bali with several Indonesian cities such as Sorong in Papua, Lampung in South Sumatra, Berau in East Kalimantan, Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, Palembang in South Sumatra, and Pontianak in West Kalimantan.
This development is particularly thrilling for international tourists seeking to explore the diverse beauty and rich culture that Indonesia has to offer beyond Bali, serving as a central point from which to access the vast archipelago.
Impact on Passenger Traffic
Currently, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport operates 65 flight routes—25 domestic and 40 international. With the introduction of these 14 new routes, the total will rise to an impressive 79 routes. This airport is not only a hub for 54 airlines but also boasts plans to manage increased passenger flow. Fahmi expects the expanded services to result in a 22% increase in passenger numbers by 2025.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, confirmed that the Bangalore-Bali service operated by IndiGo Airlines is already up and running, while discussions are underway to finalize the scheduling of the additional routes.
Continued Growth in Passenger Numbers
Bali Airport is preparing for a record-breaking year, having served 23.9 million passengers in 2024 alone, which included 13.9 million international travelers. With a target to attract between 6.5 million and 7 million international visitors in 2025, the airport’s management anticipates a greater influx of travelers, making the improvements even more essential.
Fahmi also announced that the airport will implement a range of upgrades to enhance the passenger experience. Following in the footsteps of Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Bali is set to introduce automated tray return systems (ATRS) at security checks. These advancements are expected to significantly speed up processing times; for example, the ATRS will allow the airport to serve up to 500 people per hour, compared to 200 with the existing system.
Enhancements to Security and Immigration
In addition to the ATRS, Bali Airport has invested in 90 autogates for international arrivals and departures, which streamline immigration processes. For e-visa holders and Indonesian passport holders, these autogates reduce waiting times to just 23-30 seconds, improving the flow of passengers through the terminal.
With these exciting developments on the horizon, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is well-prepared to not only accommodate a growing number of travelers but also ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. As 2025 approaches, both local and international tourists can look forward to an enriched journey through one of Indonesia’s most cherished destinations.
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