Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura has launched a new direct flight route connecting two of its most iconic destinations, Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara.

Operated by Wings Air, the inaugural flight from Labuan Bajo to Lombok on Tuesday landed to a water salute, marking the official opening of the route. The ATR 72-600 flight carried 70 passengers and was welcomed by local officials, including West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal.

“This direct flight will ease travel for tourists visiting Lombok and Labuan Bajo, while opening wider access for our local communities,” Governor Iqbal said, adding that improved connectivity will support tourism growth and local economic development.

Wings Air will operate the route three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flights departing Labuan Bajo at 9:30 a.m. and returning from Lombok at 11:10 a.m.

Labuan Bajo, known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, offers world-class diving, island-hopping to Padar and Rinca islands, and encounters with the Komodo dragon. Meanwhile, Lombok is home to the Gili Islands, the pristine beaches of Mandalika, and the challenging trails of Mount Rinjani, making it a favorite destination for surfers, hikers, and beach lovers seeking a quieter alternative to Bali.

“Connecting these two destinations allows travelers to seamlessly combine iconic experiences, from diving with manta rays in Labuan Bajo to exploring waterfalls and beaches in Lombok, without having to transit through Jakarta or Bali,” said Stephanus Millyas Wardana, General Manager of Lombok International Airport.

The route is also expected to drive the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support local hospitality and creative sectors. Tourism stakeholders view this improved connectivity as aligned with Indonesia’s sustainable tourism strategy, which aims to distribute tourism development beyond Java and Bali.

With the addition of Labuan Bajo, Lombok International Airport now serves nine domestic routes, including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and Makassar, while maintaining direct international connections to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

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