15 Apr 2025
Mangupura, April 15, 2025 – I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, one of Indonesia’s busiest airports for international routes, is becoming even more vibrant with the addition of a new flight service to Mainland China. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Transnusa officially launched its new route connecting Denpasar (DPS) to Guangzhou (CAN). With this addition, the number of direct flights to Mainland China has now increased to an average of 7 flights per day, serving four major cities: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.
The inaugural Transnusa flight Denpasar – Guangzhou, flight number 8B969, carried 74 passengers and was marked by a ceremonial flower garland presentation to the travelers. The honor was given by Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Branch; Bayu Sutanto, President Director of PT Transnusa Aviation Mandiri; and Kevin Chien Thien Shien, COO of PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta. Passengers were also treated to a traditional Balinese dance performance prior to boarding.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Guangzhou – Denpasar flight (8B968), carrying 169 passengers, landed on Monday, April 14, at exactly 07:40 WITA. The arrival was celebrated with a water salute as the aircraft, registered PK-TLD, entered the parking bay.
The direct Denpasar - Guangzhou service, operated with an Airbus A320 featuring 174 economy class seats, will initially operate four times per week. Starting June, the frequency will increase to daily service, totaling seven flights per week.
Ahmad Syaugi welcomed the launch of Transnusa’s new route, stating:
"The opening of this new Transnusa service is a positive milestone for the growth of Bali’s tourism sector."
He further added:
"Chinese tourists are the second largest group of international visitors to Bali. As of March, the number of Chinese tourists had reached 136,000, representing 9 percent of all international arrivals at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. With consistent service, this route will not only enhance connectivity between Indonesia and China but will also generate a multiplier effect for Bali’s tourism and economy."
Echoing this, Transnusa President Director Bayu Sutanto expressed that one of the airline’s goals in launching the Denpasar – Guangzhou route is to open new opportunities for tourism between the two countries.
"We chose Guangzhou because, as one of China’s largest cities, it is known as a hub for business, culture, and tourism with a wide range of attractions. Moving forward, we also plan to establish Bali as Transnusa’s operational base," Bayu said in his press release.
With Transnusa’s latest addition, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport has welcomed a total of seven new flight routes in the first quarter of 2025. These include five international destinations Perth, Jeddah via Singapore, Darwin, Bangkok, and Shanghai alongside two domestic routes to Palangkaraya and Manado. In total, the airport now serves 68 routes consisting of 25 domestic and 43 international routes, with 50 airlines currently operating.
