AirAsia Starts Direct Flights to Komodo Island

AirAsia has introduced direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Komodo International Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone for the low-cost carrier. As the first international airline to offer direct flights to the island known for its unique Komodo dragons, AirAsia is opening up new travel opportunities to this exotic destination.

The inaugural flight touched down in Labuan Bajo on September 3, 2024, heralding the start of a thrice-weekly service. This new route provides over 4,000 seats each week, connecting Kuala Lumpur with Labuan Bajo, a gateway to the world-renowned Komodo National Park and the island of Flores.

AirAsia’s new service is poised to have a substantial impact on tourism and local economies in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The airline anticipates that the direct flights will significantly increase visitor numbers to Labuan Bajo and its surrounding regions, providing a boost to local businesses and tourism sectors.

Additionally, AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service enhances accessibility by offering travelers from across Asia and Australia the convenience of reaching Komodo National Park and Flores with a single stopover in Kuala Lumpur. This streamlined travel option is expected to attract more international visitors to the Indonesian archipelago.

“Indonesia is a key market for us, and we are committed to strengthening our partnership with AirAsia Indonesia to enhance tourism and trade between our two countries,” said Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, Managing Director of AirAsia Malaysia. “Our 28 direct routes connecting Malaysia and Indonesia have already transported over 7 million passengers, playing a vital role in regional connectivity and economic growth. We are excited about the future and plan to explore additional direct routes between our nations.”

The launch of this new route aligns with AirAsia’s ongoing efforts to expand its network and support the growth of the tourism industry. With its focus on providing affordable and accessible travel options, AirAsia is well-positioned to drive increased traffic to Indonesia’s remarkable destinations.

As AirAsia continues to explore new opportunities, the introduction of direct flights to Labuan Bajo represents a significant step in its commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic development in the region.