An increasing number of airlines have expressed interest in resuming operations to Bali after a two-year hiatus.
According to Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster, at least one international airline will resume operations to the island this week.
“On February 16, Singapore Airlines will fly from Singapore to Bali with a large number of passengers,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Singapore Airlines plans to operate daily flights from Singapore to Bali from that date onwards.
PT Angkasa Pura I, the airport management firm, confirmed that Jetstar, an Australian low-cost carrier, has also submitted a request to restart flights to Bali.
As per the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, Jetstar is likely to restart direct flights to Bali soon.
For the time being, Jetstar has pushed out the start of Bali flights to “Monday, March 14 from Melbourne and Tuesday, March 15 from Sydney,” said an airline representative.
The governor of Bali, on the other hand, is confident about the resumption of this and other airline operations.
“Hopefully there won’t be any new obstacles,” said the governor.
Garuda Indonesia is also working to relaunch its Tokyo Narita-Bali route, while Batik Air, Indonesia’s low-cost carrier, aims to connect Singapore and Bali as well.
The dates are yet to be confirmed, said PT Angkasa Pura I Stakeholder Relations Manager Taufan Yudhistira said.
Meanwhile, flights to Bali and nearby places are cheaper than they have ever been. Experts caution, however, that when demand recovers, prices will inevitably climb.
For instance, Australians who book early bird discounts for overseas trips can get flights to Bali for as low as $250 one-way.
“As competition between airlines continues to heat up, flight discounting and added flight capacity – amongst other benefits – should continue to materialize,” said Webjet chief executive David Galt.