MANGUPURA, Bali (BPN) – Bali has further enhanced its connectivity with South Korea, following the inaugural flight of Jeju Air on the Incheon – Bali – Incheon route last Sunday (October 31, 2024).
Now, Air Busan has also made its inaugural flight with the Busan – Bali – Busan route on Wednesday (October 31, 2024), which also marks Air Busan’s inaugural operation in Indonesia. The Busan route is set to operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, stated that Air Busan’s operations in Bali make the South Korean market increasingly appealing to explore.
“I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has received two direct flights to and from South Korea, to Incheon and Busan. This signifies that Bali is currently an attractive destination for South Koreans, and we hope this strengthens the connectivity between the two countries, especially in the aviation and tourism sectors,” said Ahmad Syaugi.
On its inaugural flight, Air Busan flight BX601 landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport on Wednesday (October 30) at 11:45 PM, using an Airbus 321. The flight carried 212 passengers, who were welcomed with a water salute ceremony and flower garlands upon their arrival at the airport.
Furthermore, Syaugi is confident that Air Busan’s inaugural flight at Bali Airport is a timely move. Currently, South Korean tourists rank among the highest numbers of international visitors to Bali.
Syaugi shared data from immigration showing that the total arrivals of South Korean tourists in 2023 through I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport reached 236,030, placing them seventh among international visitors.
“This year, as of the third quarter, the total number of South Korean visitors served by I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has risen to the fifth highest, reaching 220,033. This number is close to the total for 2023. With the addition of flight routes to South Korea this year, we are optimistic that the number will exceed that of 2023,” Syaugi stated.
With Air Busan’s inaugural flight, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport now serves 40 international flight routes to 19 countries, operated by 42 airlines.
PT Harmoni Aviasi Sejahtera, the official representative of Air Busan in Indonesia, welcomed the launch of this route enthusiastically. Agus Mustamin, Head of Representative, expressed optimism that this direct flight will make it easier for South Korean tourists to explore Bali, while also strengthening relations between the two countries.
