The restart of China Airlines service to Denpasar comes just days after HE Deng Xijun, China’s Ambassador to ASEAN Countries, met with Bali Governor Wayan Koster. The two discussed the future of tourism, education and the upcoming G20 summit in November.
Governor Koster told Ambassador Xijun, “We will wait for the return of tourists from China, which before the pandemic was one of the countries from which most tourists came to Bali. I beg the Honorable Ambassador to encourage the Chinese government to allow their citizens to Bali”.
Ambassador Xijun replied, “I believe that with time and recovery, Chinese tourists will come back to Bali… I also congratulate you on the post-pandemic handling and recovery, which I consider extraordinary so that now conditions are conducive [for the return of Chinese tourists]”.
As Indonesia’s second-largest business airport and the country’s main tourist destination, the resumption of direct flights to China has been welcomed by much of the tourism industry.
The resumption of flight operations will also strengthen political and economic ties.
Flight operations resumed on Friday, September 2, and now they will be twice weekly. A direct flight from Taipei, Taiwan to Denpasar will be offered every Tuesday and Friday.
Travelers can take a flight from Taipei to Denpasar any day of the week. However, they will have to stop over in Jakarta, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
This new flight schedule is expected to be the first major step in making it easier for Chinese visitors to enjoy Bali after the resumption of the Visa on Arrival program.
The economic benefits of tourism from China have been recognized throughout the island.
Taufan Yudhistira, the Stakeholder Relations Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, spoke to journalists to inform them of the current flight options now being offered by Bali Airport.
According to him, as of August 2022, 23 airlines operate from Ngurah Rai International, connecting 12 nations with 22 international routes.
This is in contrast to pre-pandemic operations when 35 airlines offered direct flights to Denpasar.
Twelve airlines have not yet made it back to the runway, but it is hoped that arrangements will be made in the near future to resume the rest of the schedules.
