Jakarta, 9 October 2026 – Indonesia international air connectivity is expanding as airlines introduce new services linking the country with markets across the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia. Recent developments involving Riyadh Air, STARLUX Airlines, SalamAir and Batik Air Malaysia highlight how new airline entries and route expansions are creating additional links between Indonesia and international destinations.

These developments could improve Indonesia’s accessibility for international visitors while creating opportunities for the country’s tourism and hospitality industries. As new routes connect major gateways such as Jakarta and Bali with additional international markets, the hospitality sector may benefit from broader visitor reach and more diverse travel demand.

Riyadh Air Prepares to Connect Jakarta with Saudi Arabia

One of the latest developments comes from Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, which opened ticket sales for its Riyadh–Jakarta service on October 5, 2026. The route is scheduled to commence on November 16, with three weekly flights operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The new service will establish a direct connection between Jakarta and Riyadh, providing another travel option between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Beyond point-to-point travel, passengers will also have access to onward connections through Riyadh Air’s developing international network.

The route is expected to serve a combination of business, tourism and religious travel demand, reflecting the longstanding connections between the two countries. Its introduction also represents a new market entry for an airline that is continuing to build its presence across Asia.

STARLUX Airlines Strengthens Indonesia–Taiwan Connectivity

Meanwhile, Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines officially launched direct flights between Taipei and Denpasar on October 1, 2026. The service operates five times weekly, expanding the airline’s Indonesian network after it previously established its Taipei–Jakarta route in 2024. 

The launch comes amid continued demand from Taiwan’s outbound travel market. Indonesia recorded 130,421 visits from Taiwanese tourists between January and July 2026, representing a 7.74% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism.

With a direct connection to Bali, STARLUX provides another option for travellers seeking access to one of Indonesia’s most established international tourism destinations. The route may also help strengthen Bali’s appeal to visitors interested in its resorts, cultural attractions, culinary experiences and natural landscapes.

SalamAir Connects Medan with the Middle East

Indonesia’s expanding connectivity is not limited to Jakarta and Bali. Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir launched its first scheduled service to Indonesia through a direct Muscat–Medan route in July 2026. The service initially operates twice weekly using Airbus A321neo aircraft. 

The route establishes a new direct connection between Oman and North Sumatra, with Medan serving as an important gateway to destinations across the region. Among the area’s attractions is Lake Toba, which offers opportunities for nature-based tourism and cultural exploration.

The new service also supports travel between Indonesia and the Middle East, including connections through Muscat for passengers travelling onward to Saudi Arabia. By opening a route to a destination outside the country’s main international gateways, SalamAir adds another dimension to Indonesia’s international aviation network. 

Batik Air Malaysia Strengthens Regional Air Connectivity

Alongside new airline entries, existing international carriers are also expanding their Indonesian route networks. Batik Air Malaysia announced direct services connecting Subang with Bali and Penang with Batam, scheduled to begin on October 20 and October 18, 2026, respectively. The routes are planned to operate four times weekly between Subang and Bali and three times weekly between Penang and Batam. 

The new services will provide additional travel options between Indonesia and Malaysia. The Subang–Bali route will offer travellers in the greater Kuala Lumpur area another departure point for reaching the island, while the Penang–Batam service will strengthen links between Batam and northern Malaysia.

These connections are relevant to both leisure and business travel, particularly for destinations that benefit from regional visitor flows and cross-border commercial activity.

How International Air Connectivity Supports Indonesia’s Hospitality Industry

The growth of international air links can have implications beyond the aviation sector. Direct flights and additional route options can make destinations easier to reach, potentially supporting visitor demand for hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.

For Indonesia’s hospitality industry, improved accessibility may create opportunities to reach new international markets and diversify visitor sources. Destinations such as Bali and Batam can benefit from additional regional connections, while Medan offers access to North Sumatra’s wider tourism potential. Jakarta, meanwhile, remains an important gateway for business travel and onward journeys throughout the country.

However, the benefits of new routes depend on several factors, including passenger demand, flight frequency, pricing, destination readiness and the ability of local tourism businesses to meet visitors’ expectations. New air services create opportunities, but sustained visitor growth also requires coordinated development across transportation, accommodation and destination experiences.

Indonesia’s Growing International Air Connectivity

The developments involving Riyadh Air, STARLUX Airlines, SalamAir and Batik Air Malaysia illustrate how Indonesia international air connectivity is evolving through new airline entries and regional route expansions. While some carriers are establishing new links to the country, others are extending their networks to reach additional Indonesian destinations.

As these services commence and develop, their long-term contribution will depend on how effectively new connections translate into tourism, business activity and broader economic opportunities.

For Indonesia’s aviation and hospitality sectors, continued route development presents an opportunity to improve destination accessibility, reach a wider range of international travellers and strengthen the country’s position within the regional and global tourism landscape.

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