The first international route offered by Citilink connects Denpasar, Bali, with Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. With this groundbreaking achievement, the low-cost carrier becomes the first Indonesian airline to fly directly between the two countries.
The new route from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, to Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, was inaugurated Sunday by Citilink, a former subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia.
The new route is a historic event for both countries, Citilink President Director Dewa Kadek Rai said in an official statement released yesterday.
“This is also a history for Citilink, particularly, as we become the first Indonesian carrier to offer direct flights connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea,” said Dewa.
Putu Supadma Rudana, the Vice Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Panel (BKSAP) of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), additionally explained the importance of this new air link that the people of Papua New Guinea have been eagerly waiting for.
“Previously, [people in Papua New Guinea] wishing to visit Indonesia, especially Bali, had to endure transits in Manila or Singapore. However, now we have a direct flight to Indonesia, particularly to Bali,” said Putu.
It is expected that the opening of this important air bridge between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea will promote significant economic growth and bring numerous benefits to both countries.
“We hope that the establishment of flights connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea will bring about maximum benefits for the economic advancement of the people,” added Putu.
Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the head of the Bali Tourism Agency, expressed hope regarding the new connection.
“Through this flight, we hope to see an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Bali. As of June 22, we have already recorded 2.2 million foreign tourist visits, and our target, as set forth by the Governor [of Bali], is 4.5 million tourist arrivals,” he said.
Airbus A320 aircraft will effortlessly support the Citilink service between Denpasar and Papua New Guinea, which will operate twice a week, particularly on Thursdays and Sundays.
Citilink’s first direct flight has undoubtedly expanded opportunities for enhanced regional connectivity and raised expectations for increased travel between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.