Friday, June 27, 2025
The Tourism Ministry shared exciting news about the increasing international interest in Bali as a top destination. According to the Ministry, three foreign airlines are exploring the possibility of launching new flight routes to the island. This move comes as Bali continues to experience a surge in demand from travelers worldwide.
Though the exact start dates for these new direct flights have yet to be confirmed, the Ministry remains optimistic about the future growth this could bring to Bali’s tourism sector. The anticipated increase in international connections is seen as a crucial step in expanding Bali’s role as a leading global tourism hub.
Yulia, a representative from the Ministry, expressed hope that the launch of new flight services would enhance Bali’s accessibility while also motivating visitors to explore additional destinations throughout Indonesia. Bali, while a major tourist attraction, is just one of many remarkable locations in the country, and the Ministry hopes that visitors will be inspired to venture beyond the island to experience the diverse cultural, natural, and historical attractions Indonesia has to offer.
The Ministry has set an ambitious goal for the year 2025, aiming to attract between 14.6 million and 16 million foreign tourists to Indonesia. This target reflects the country’s determination to recover and grow its tourism sector, especially after the challenges posed by the global pandemic. Bali plays a significant role in this ambition, and the expansion of direct flights is expected to make a considerable contribution to achieving this goal.
According to recent data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country welcomed 4.33 million foreign tourists between January and April 2025. This marks a notable 5.60 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The data highlights the continued recovery of the tourism sector, with Bali at the forefront of this resurgence.
Air travel continues to be the primary mode of entry for international visitors. Of the 4.33 million foreign visitors recorded during the first four months of 2025, approximately three million arrived by air. Bali continues to be a primary entry point, with more than two million travelers passing through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. This highlights Bali’s position as the gateway to Indonesia for many international tourists.
Other major airports across the country also saw a significant number of arrivals. Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia’s busiest hub, saw 725,652 foreign tourists during the same period. In contrast, Juanda Airport in Surabaya hosted 81,771 international visitors. These numbers further demonstrate the growing appeal of Indonesia as a tourist destination.
The influx of international travelers to Bali and other parts of Indonesia is a promising sign of recovery for the tourism industry, which had been severely impacted by the global pandemic. With the ongoing success of vaccination campaigns and the relaxation of travel restrictions, many countries, including Indonesia, have seen a rebound in international travel. Bali, in particular, has benefited from its reputation as a safe and desirable holiday destination, offering a unique combination of beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality.
As of June 2025, a total of 52 airlines operate flights to Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Of these, 47 airlines offer international services, ensuring that Bali remains well-connected to key markets around the world. The island’s accessibility continues to expand, making it easier for travelers from different countries to visit and enjoy the rich cultural experiences Bali offers.
In conclusion, the Tourism Ministry’s announcement of the potential new flight routes reflects a positive outlook for Bali’s tourism industry. With the rise in demand and the strategic expansion of air services, the island is poised for continued growth as a global tourism destination. The Ministry’s efforts to promote other parts of Indonesia to international tourists further support the broader goal of increasing foreign tourist arrivals to the country. As Indonesia works toward its tourism targets for 2025, Bali will undoubtedly remain a key player in this exciting journey.
