The inaugural flight landed in Cairns about 6am on Thursday 15th August and reloaded with local passengers before departing back to Bali (Denpasar) just after 7am. Services will operate three times a week, injecting more than 28,000 seats into the Cairns market in the first year.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the inaugural flight was a significant milestone for the wider Tropical North Queensland region, “AirAsia is one of the world’s most recognisable airline brands and is renowned in the industry as Asia’s first low cost, low fare carrier.
We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia Indonesia to Cairns Airport today, for the first time ever. This new service will offer immense benefits to our region and many key industries. Providing seamless, affordable connections to Cairns from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and domestic Indonesia will bolster visitation and business opportunities from these major, populous markets.
Bali is also a highly popular destination for locals, and we know this new service has been well- received by holidaymakers across Tropical North Queensland.”
AirAsia Indonesia Chief Executive Officer Veranita Yosephine said: “We are thrilled to touch down in Cairns for the first time ever today, with great value services for local residents to Bali and onto over 130 destinations on the AirAsia Group network. At the same time, we are connecting millions of Indonesians and many more millions of guests from Asia and beyond via Bali to Tropical North Queensland’s gateway.
We see great demand, not only for this new direct route. Everyone loves Bali but at the same time we see many opportunities to promote the incredible tourism highlights in the far north of Queensland to our international guests like the Great Barrier Reef - one of the seven wonders of the world and to visit the amazing world-renowned rainforests. Conversely, Indonesia and Asia in general continues to be a leisure favourite region for Australians wanting an affordable and unique experience.
We also invite guests from Queensland to visit and enjoy the beauty of Indonesia. From the world- famous Labuan Bajo (Komodo Island) - home of the Komodo Dragon, and Tanjung Setia Surf-Beach in Lampung, to the new capital of Indonesia, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan, there is something for everyone. Explore the vibrant cultural heritage, the unique culinary delights and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of our people.
Indonesia is not just a destination; it is an experience that promises unforgettable memories. We are committed to providing seamless travel options and great value to our passengers, ensuring they have the best possible journey whether they are visiting for leisure or business."
The flights have been made possible through the Queensland Government’s $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF).
Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said: “Having a new direct route into Cairns from Denpasar opens up the Far North to more tourists and international students from across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
“Visitors will be able to plan an extended stay in Queensland and discover just how much this beautiful state has to offer.
“The flights will also provide another avenue for our local exporters to deliver their goods such as fish and crustaceans, avocados, mangoes, melons, citrus and blueberries to some major South-East Asian markets.”
Indonesian Consul General in Sydney Vedi Kurnia Buana expressed support for the new flight. "We are excited to see AirAsia Indonesia enhancing the connection between Bali and Cairns, two beloved destinations for Australians,” he said.
“This route is a testament to the strong bond between our countries, a bond that we proudly celebrate this year as we mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia. In 2023, approximately 1.37 million Australian tourists visited Indonesia, underscoring the significant interest in our diverse and beautiful nation. This new service not only meets the high demand but also invites travellers from Cairns to discover the rich cultural and natural wonders beyond Bali.
“As we commemorate 75 years of friendship and cooperation, the new Cairns-Denpasar flight route play a crucial role in bringing our people closer together, further strengthening the ties between Indonesia and Australia and fostering mutual economic and tourism growth.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the arrival of AirAsia Indonesia which would allow the destination to tap into new markets in Asia.
“The urban Asian middle-class is expanding rapidly and these flights will allow Cairns to tap into new source markets,” he said.
“The route will also be attractive for travellers connecting from Europe and the United Kingdom, particularly the youth and group series markets wanting a stopover in Indonesia.”
