New Flights Usher in a New Era for Bali Travel in 2026
December 3, 2025
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is undergoing a significant transformation as new flight routes and services are introduced, marking a fresh chapter in the island’s travel landscape for 2026. The ongoing expansion of air connectivity is set to benefit tourists, local businesses, and international relations alike.
Increasing Air Connectivity to Meet Growing Demand
Officials at Bali Airport recently announced the addition of a new daily direct flight between New Delhi, India, and Bali, operated by Air India. This new route responds to the steadily increasing number of Indian tourists visiting the island. Throughout 2025, Bali received 438,646 visitors from India, representing an 8% growth compared to 2024. The inaugural flight from New Delhi was welcomed with enthusiasm by airport and government officials, highlighting the significance of this route.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of Bali Airport, remarked on the steady rise in foreign tourist arrivals and emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to attracting more Indian visitors in the coming years. Bali Senator Dr. Somvir echoed these sentiments, noting that the number of daily Air India flights has officially doubled in response to the high demand, benefiting not only Indian tourists but also facilitating easier travel for Balinese people to India.
Broader Implications for International Travelers
The new Air India service enhances options for long-haul travelers from Europe, North America, South America, and Africa, who typically require stopovers in major hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi en route to Bali. The addition of New Delhi as a stopover option provides a convenient alternative that could break up lengthy journeys and potentially offer more competitive airfare rates.
In tandem with Air India’s expansion, the low-cost carrier IndiGo launched a new daily flight connecting Mumbai to Denpasar in November 2025. This addition strengthens the flight network linking India and Bali and is expected to bolster tourism and economic ties between the two regions.
Expanding Options for Australian Travelers
Notably, Bali’s growing connectivity is not limited to India. Jetstar recently inaugurated a thrice-weekly direct service between Newcastle in New South Wales and Bali. This marks the first time Newcastle has been linked directly to the island, opening new avenues for travelers from both destinations. The inbound flights depart Newcastle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Bali early afternoon. Outbound flights leave Denpasar late at night on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, arriving in Newcastle the following morning.
A Promising Outlook for Bali Tourism
These new flight routes reflect Bali’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and expand its tourism sector. By enhancing international accessibility, especially from populous countries like India and Australia, Bali is positioned to welcome a larger and more diverse group of visitors in 2026 and beyond. The strengthened air network also fosters deeper cultural and economic connections, supporting Bali’s role as a top global travel destination.
As more airlines and routes continue to develop, travelers can look forward to greater convenience and flexibility in planning their journeys to Bali, further cementing the island’s status as a premier international hotspot.
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