Garuda Indonesia plans to soon open a new route Denpasar-Manado-Narita (Japan).
Speaking to Kompas.com, the CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Setiaputra, would not identify the start-up date for the new Bali to Japan route with an intermediate stop in North Sulawesi but only insisted the new flight route would “operate soon.”
Setiaputra spoke at the ASTINDO Travel Fair in Tangerang on Friday, 24 February 2023.
Garuda sees the intermediate stop in Manado between Denpasar and Tokyo as an opportunity to increase tourism arrivals to Indonesia and promote Manado as a new showcase destination for international travelers. Irfan told the press that Garuda Indonesia’s priorities have changed, with more emphasis now being focused on bringing international tourists to Indonesia instead of promoting international travel to Indonesian-based travelers. This effort will be augmented by opening new domestic air routes in Indonesia and increasing flight availability to Denpasar, Bali as a gateway city.
Irfan revealed plans by the national flag carrier to commence domestic flight services to Bengkulu on the West Coast of Sumatra, Pontianak (West Kalimantan), and Pangkalpinang in Bangka. The focus is on growing Garuda’s domestic route network.
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update