KBRN, Jember: The new direct Jember–Denpasar flight is drawing strong interest, with occupancy already surpassing 50 percent for its inaugural schedule. Affordable ticket prices and significant time savings compared to land travel are expected to make the route sustainable.

Jember, East Java – The direct Jember–Denpasar flight, set to begin operations on December 5, 2025, from Notohadinegoro Airport, has already attracted high public interest.

Preliminary data shows occupancy on the Jember–Denpasar route has exceeded 50 percent, while the return route from Denpasar to Jember reached around 25 percent for its first schedule.

Gatot Triyono, acting head of the Jember Regency Transportation Agency, said the trend is a positive sign for flight services that had previously been halted. “This new route is eagerly awaited, especially by those who live or work in Bali,” he said on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Flights operated by Wings Air using ATR 72-500/600 aircraft will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, compared to roughly eight hours by land.

Ticket prices are considered competitive, ranging from IDR 843,000–855,000 (USD 54–55), with promotional fares as low as IDR 460,000 (USD 29). Tickets are available through multiple online platforms.

Notohadinegoro Airport has completed preparations, including terminal upgrades, staffing, and firefighting equipment. The Wings Air check-in counter is in the final stages of reorganization to accommodate direct and offline reservations.

Gatot expressed optimism that occupancy will continue to rise, strengthening the route's long-term viability and supporting mobility during the Christmas and New Year holidays. “We hope this will improve connectivity between Jember and Bali,” he said.

Jember, a regency and city in East Java located about 150 kilometers southeast of Surabaya, is known for its coffee plantations, cultural festivals, and ecotourism sites.

Denpasar, the capital and largest city of Bali, serves as the island’s economic and cultural hub and is the gateway for millions of international tourists visiting its beaches, temples, and resorts.

The launch of the new direct Jember–Denpasar route is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, making travel between East Java and Bali faster and more affordable.

The service is also anticipated to boost tourism and economic ties between the two regions, offering greater convenience for residents and visitors alike. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)