Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport has officially launched its new direct flight route to Incheon, South Korea, as of Thursday, 17 October 2024. The new service, currently operating three times a week and increasing to four from 27 October, marks a significant milestone in expanding Batam’s international connectivity and tourism reach.
The Batam-Incheon flight route, launched by Hang Nadim International Airport, is a collaboration between Jeju Air and Lion Group. The new service is expected to boost tourism and business travel between Indonesia and South Korea. With its soft launch on 17 October, the route is set to increase to four weekly flights by the end of the month, with a goal of achieving daily flights by 2025.
According to Pikri Ilham, Director of Batam International Airport (BIB), the initial launch carried 68 passengers. The partnership with Lion Group and Jeju Air will facilitate seamless travel, allowing passengers to book tickets via Lion Air and fly with Jeju Air through a code-share agreement. “This partnership expands options for international travel and investment,” Pikri said.
The introduction of this route represents a long-awaited connection between Batam and South Korea. Acting Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, emphasized how crucial this new link is for boosting tourism and economic recovery in Batam. “The demand for direct flights between Korea and Batam has been high, and this new route will foster growth in both tourism and trade,” Lukman stated during the launch.
This new international route aims to make Batam more accessible for both leisure and business travelers from South Korea. In addition to its own attractions, Batam serves as a gateway to 24 other domestic destinations across Indonesia, allowing travelers to explore more of the country. “Visitors from South Korea can not only enjoy Batam’s offerings but also explore the broader Indonesian archipelago,” Pikri explained.
The strategic timing of the new flight route coincides with Batam’s efforts to attract more foreign investment and promote its growing tourism sector. The expanded air connectivity will help support these objectives by making Batam a more convenient destination for international visitors, particularly from key markets like South Korea.
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With the plan to increase frequency to daily flights by next year, this new route is set to enhance Batam’s position as a regional hub. Jeju Air’s involvement, combined with Lion Group’s market reach, is expected to solidify the route’s success and strengthen the international ties between Indonesia and South Korea.
The new Batam-Incheon flight route underscores Batam’s commitment to expanding its international travel connections. As the route grows in frequency, it will not only serve the local population but also attract international tourists and investors, contributing to the region’s economic and tourism growth.
Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport has launched a new direct flight route to Incheon, South Korea, operating three times a week and increasing to four from 27 October 2024. This route, facilitated through a code-share partnership between Jeju Air and Lion Group, aims to boost tourism and business travel, with plans for daily flights by next year.
