Tourism Industry Welcomes Planned Bali-Belitung Flight Route
Indonesia's tourism industry association (Asppi) has praised a planned new direct flight route between Bali (Denpasar) and Belitung (Tanjungpandan) as a strategic move to expand access for foreign tourists. However, industry representatives note that success will depend on airline selection, destination readiness, and international marketing strategy.
Agus Pahlevi, chairman of the supervisory board of the Indonesian Tourism Business Association (Asppi), said on September 4, 2026, that a planned new flight route connecting Bali (Denpasar) and Belitung (Tanjungpandan) is a "smart step" to expand tourism markets, particularly for foreign visitors.
Bali serves as one of Indonesia's main international gateways with dense flight networks from various countries. According to Agus, a direct connection from Denpasar to Tanjungpandan would make it easier for foreign tourists to reach Belitung.
However, he cautioned that the mere existence of a new route is not enough to guarantee sustainable success. He identified three key preparations needed: selecting a reliable, trustworthy airline suited to the target market; re-validating Belitung's tourist destinations to ensure they meet minimum service standards expected by international visitors; and developing a marketing and branding strategy tailored to different source markets.
Agus noted that the route could become a gateway for tourists from Australia, China, Europe and elsewhere to reach Belitung via Bali, making it important to begin promotional efforts now, focusing not just on introducing Belitung but strengthening its destination branding.
As of now, this remains a planning stage announcement; no confirmed launch date or operating airline has been disclosed.
Things to Consider
The direct Bali-Belitung flight route is still only in the planning stage and has not launched yet. If you're planning a trip to Belitung, continue checking current routes via other cities like Jakarta, and monitor official announcements from airlines or Indonesian aviation authorities for confirmed launch dates. Once the new route does open, book accommodations and local transport with some flexibility, as tourism infrastructure on Belitung may still be catching up to increased visitor demand.
Source: BaBelnews.id