AirAsia has launched its first direct flight between Denpasar, on the Indonesian island of Bali, and Phuket. The carrier currently operates 38 flights a week from Jakarta, Denpasar and Medan, to Bangkok.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed the arrival of the inaugural Denpasar – Phuket flight, QZ246, on Saturday, August 10. The aircraft was greeted with a water cannon salute as it taxied to the gate, with 160 disembarking passengers welcomed by airport representatives, TAT officials, and the Phuket Tourist Association.
The director of TAT’s Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, says the new service from Bali shows there is strong demand from Indonesian travellers.
“We are delighted to welcome AirAsia’s new direct flight between Bali and Phuket. This reflects the strong demand for outbound travel among Indonesians, thanks to Indonesia’s robust economy. Their favourite Thai destinations include Phuket with popular activities being Thai food, cultural activities, and shopping.”
The Denpasar – Phuket service will operate 3 times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, on an Airbus A320, with a 180 passenger capacity.
The flight will also link two of SE Asia’s most popular island tourist destinations for the many Australians and westerners that enjoy their annual island breaks.
Since the start of the year, Thailand has welcomed 536,720 arrivals from Indonesia. That number is expected to reach 800,000 by the end of the year, generating at least 21 billion baht in tourism revenue.
SOURCE: TAT News
