The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has confirmed that at least two airlines are preparing to fly international routes to the Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo on the western end of Flores.
While AirAsia has confirmed that they would commence international flights from Kuala Lumpur to Komodo Airport on 03 September 2024, Minister Sandiaga has said another – yet-to-be-named airline – will start flying to Komodo even earlier, before the end of August.
Speaking at a meeting in Labuan Bajo on Wednesday, 07 August 2024, Sandiaga said: “Good news: On 03 September, the first international flight will land at the Komodo International Airport—Air Asia flying from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Labuan Bajo. But I have heard that another airline will announce international flights to Labuan Bajo starting before the end of August, before 03 September.”
Minister Sandiaga refused to divulge the airline’s name that will fly internationally to Labuan Bajor before AirAsia. Adding: “I don’t want to name the airlines, but maybe you can guess which airline likes to open new destinations without advance warning. The unnamed airline wants to be the first to land an international flight to Komodo. Let’s wait and see!”
Sandiaga said Indonesia AirAsia is the only carrier selling tickets to the Komodo International Airport. The Minister confirmed that he will be on hand to welcome the 03 September inaugural flight. At the same time, Sandiaga said he hopes other airlines will soon emerge to fly internationally to Labuan Bajo. The Minister mentioned a short list of international destinations he hoped would soon be directly connected by air to Labuan Bajo: Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia.
Earlier, the Head of the Komodo International Airport Authority, Ceppy Triono, confirmed that the runway and apron parking area in Labuan Bajo were ready to welcome international flights. Although the runway lengthening at the Komodo Airport will only be completed in December 2024, the current runway is sufficient to welcome any coming flights.
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