ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian airline TransNusa is expanding its network with a new Jakarta–Bangkok service alongside two domestic routes connecting Bali with Wakatobi and Waingapu, as it seeks to tap rising travel demand across Southeast Asia and Indonesia’s eastern tourism corridor.
The expansion adds momentum to competition in the regional aviation market, with carriers increasingly targeting secondary tourism destinations and cross-border leisure travel.
The Jakarta–Bangkok route is scheduled to begin on 6 August 2026, operating twice daily to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The service is expected to strengthen connectivity between Indonesia and Thailand, two of Southeast Asia’s most visited tourism markets, while also supporting business travel and regional mobility.
Bali becomes gateway to Eastern Indonesia tourism
Alongside the international expansion, TransNusa is introducing new domestic services from Denpasar to Wakatobi and Waingapu.
The Denpasar–Wakatobi route is notable as the first direct air connection between Bali and the marine conservation area in Southeast Sulawesi, cutting travel time by removing the need for transit via Jakarta, Makassar, or Kendari.
Wakatobi is widely regarded as one of the world’s richest coral reef ecosystems, making it a key destination for marine tourism.
The new routes are part of a broader push to position Bali as a hub for onward travel into Eastern Indonesia, where destinations such as Sumba and Wakatobi are gaining popularity among nature-focused travelers.
Local support for Wakatobi tourism growth
Hugua, Deputy Governor of Southeast Sulawesi welcomed the new direct connection, saying improved access would strengthen tourism development and increase visitor arrivals to Wakatobi.
Waingapu, located on Sumba Island, is known for its savannah landscapes, coastal scenery, and preserved cultural heritage, and is increasingly promoted as an alternative tourism destination in eastern Indonesia.
The Denpasar–Waingapu route will operate four times a week, while the Denpasar–Wakatobi service will run three times weekly. Both routes opened for booking on 30 June, with inaugural flights scheduled for mid-July. (AT Network)
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