India has emerged as one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing tourism markets, with over 700,000 Indian travellers visiting the Southeast Asian nation in 2023.
To address connectivity issues, AirAsia Indonesia is exploring direct flights from key Indian cities. Industry sources indicate that Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad are being considered as initial destinations due to their strong passenger demand and proximity to Indonesia. Mumbai is also a potential candidate, depending on operational feasibility.
Potential Indian destinations for AirAsia Indonesia:
• Bengaluru (BLR): A major aviation hub with increasing international traffic.
• Chennai (MAA): A key gateway to Southeast Asia with high tourism and business demand.
• Hyderabad (HYD): A growing outbound travel market to Southeast Asia.
• Mumbai (BOM): A possible long-haul route, subject to feasibility.
Given AirAsia Indonesia’s all-Airbus A320-200 fleet, long-haul flights such as Jakarta–Delhi remain unlikely. However, Jakarta–Mumbai may be a viable option, similar to IndiGo’s operations with its A320neo aircraft.
Key Indonesian Destinations for Indian Travellers
Indonesia’s busiest airport, Jakarta (CGK), remains a crucial hub for business and leisure travel. Meanwhile, Bali (DPS) continues to attract Indian tourists in large numbers. Medan (KNO) has also been discussed as a potential future route, though the initial focus remains on Jakarta and Bali.
A Historic Milestone for AirAsia Indonesia
If launched, these routes would mark a significant milestone for AirAsia Indonesia, as no Indonesian airline has previously operated direct flights to India. Experts believe this move will strengthen tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
With a new bilateral agreement in place, there is potential for further route expansion, offering Indian travellers greater convenience and affordability when flying to Indonesia.
