Greater Bay Airlines Launches Hong Kong-Surabaya Route

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Hong Kong, supports the launch of the Hong Kong–Surabaya direct flight route by Greater Bay Airlines, which began operations on September 25, 2026. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, the Ministry's Deputy for Marketing, stated that the opening of this route is part of a joint effort to enhance connectivity and boost the flow of tourists between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

"The introduction of this direct flight is a proactive step toward accommodating the rise in international tourist arrivals from Hong Kong to Indonesia," Made said in a statement on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Greater Bay Airlines' inaugural flight on the Hong Kong–Surabaya route—designated as flight HB211 and operated by an aircraft with a 189-seat capacity—took place on Friday, September 25, 2026. The aircraft departed from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at 18:15 Hong Kong Time (HKT) and landed at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya at 22:00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB).

The inaugural flight ceremony took place at 16:45 local time at HKIA Terminal 2 and was attended by representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong. The event program included remarks, a group photo, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the distribution of souvenirs to invited guests.

Made explained that the launch of this new route is a strategic move by Greater Bay Airlines, as well as a response to the growing trend of Hong Kong tourists visiting Indonesia. The availability of direct flights is a crucial factor in expanding accessibility and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian destinations in the international market.

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, this market potential is reflected in the steadily rising number of foreign tourist visits from Hong Kong to Indonesia. From January to July 2026, the number of visits by Hong Kong tourists reached 87,631, a 25.97 percent increase compared to the 69,567 visits recorded during the same period in 2025.

In 2025, Juanda International Airport in Surabaya also ranked third among entry points for Hong Kong tourists, recording 4,183 visits. The improved connectivity provided by the Greater Bay Airlines route is expected to facilitate travel for tourists from Hong Kong and other international locations.

The introduction of these direct flights also opens up broader opportunities for tourism development in Surabaya and various destinations across East Java. Surabaya serves not only as an urban destination but also as a strategic gateway to various tourist attractions across East Java.

Improved air connectivity is expected to boost tourist movement while generating economic benefits for local tourism and creative economy stakeholders.