BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today welcomed TransNusa Airlines flight 8B381 from Jakarta on its inaugural arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the successful launch of a new twice-daily direct service between the Indonesian and Thai capitals. The flight arrived at full capacity with 174 Indonesian passengers, signalling strong demand for the route.
The arriving passengers, including H.E. Mr. Hari Prabowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Thailand, who travelled on the inaugural flight, were warmly welcomed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Datuk Bernard Francis, Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of TransNusa Airlines; Miss. Pranuengnuch Bamphensamai, Advisor and Acting Vice President, Customer Service Department, Suvarnabhumi Airport; Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific; TAT executives; and tourism partners. The reception featured a traditional Thai welcome and commemorative gift, reflecting Thailand’s warm hospitality.
“The new service reflects TAT’s Airline Focus strategy and supports the Thai Government’s Ease of Travelling policy by expanding air connectivity, making journeys within Southeast Asia more convenient,” Miss Thapanee said. “The additional capacity will help attract quality Indonesian travellers, particularly independent travellers, Muslim families and millennials, while advancing ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ through Thailand’s food, culture, wellness and diverse destination experiences.”
Operated with a 174-seat Airbus A320-200, the Jakarta–Bangkok service offers 14 flights per week, providing around 2,500 inbound seats weekly and more than 130,000 annually. Flights depart Jakarta at 08.20 and 16.40 Hrs., arriving in Bangkok at 11.45 and 19.55 Hrs. Return services depart Bangkok at 12.30 and 20.40 Hrs., arriving in Jakarta at 16.10 and 00.20 Hrs.
The route strengthens links between two major Southeast Asian business and tourism hubs while expanding access to Bangkok for Indonesian travellers. Driven by the strong appeal of Thai cuisine, shopping, culture, wellness and beauty, the twice-daily flights are expected to reinforce Thailand’s position as a preferred short-haul destination in the Indonesian market.
The launch builds on the separate Memorandums of Understanding signed by TAT with TransNusa Airlines and Traveloka on 4 August 2026, covering destination marketing, travel product development and stronger air links between Indonesia and Thailand. Under the TransNusa Airlines agreement, a direct Bali–Phuket service is planned for late 2026, supported by integrated marketing and public relations activities to raise destination visibility, expand route opportunities and reach Indonesian travellers more effectively.
From 1 January to 2 August 2026, Thailand welcomed 378,881 Indonesian visitors. They stayed an average of six days, with 85 per cent travelling independently and 53 per cent repeat visitors. Leading destinations included Bangkok, Songkhla, Chon Buri, Phuket and Krabi, while popular activities included Thai dining, historical attractions, community-based tourism, spa treatments and beach experiences. (TAT)
