Indonesia and UAE Discuss Direct Flights to Labuan Bajo

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, met with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Minister of Investment, Mohammad Alhawi, to explore the potential for direct flights from the UAE to Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara. The discussions took place during a meeting in Jakarta on Monday and focused on bolstering connectivity to one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations.

Sumadi highlighted the Indonesian government’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo, particularly at Komodo International Airport, and expressed optimism that the UAE would support these efforts by establishing direct flights. “In doing so, Labuan Bajo will gain greater popularity and attract more international tourists,” Sumadi remarked in a statement from the Ministry of Transportation.

The meeting also underscored the existing transportation cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE. Etihad Airways currently operates flights from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali, and both countries have signed a codeshare agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity between the UAE and various Indonesian destinations.

Sumadi further emphasized the importance of expanding the scope of transportation cooperation between the two nations. “I would also like to explore the potential for expanding our cooperation beyond the aviation sector,” he said, extending an invitation to the UAE to invest in Indonesia’s broader transportation infrastructure.

Labuan Bajo is one of five regions designated as super-priority tourism destinations under Indonesia’s 10 New Balis program, which seeks to develop world-class tourist destinations. Increased connectivity through direct flights is seen as a critical step in boosting international tourism to the region.