Lion Air is launching a direct flight from Bangkok to Bali

Going directly to Bangkok is getting a little easier, now that more than one budget airline (AirAsia) offers a direct flight from Bali.

On the flip side, the flight will also make it easier for Thai tourists and those transiting through Bangkok to get to Bali, much to the pleasure of Indonesian tourism officials.

Thai Lion Air is launching a direct flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueng International Airport to Bali, with the first flight taking off on Friday.

The service from Don Mueng to Bali is the budget airline’s second daily flight to Indonesia, after the airline’s direct flight to Jakarta.

“Bali is a rich cultural destination and is a top choice for many travelers from Bangkok. Direct flights are another convenient options both to and from Bali.

“We hope this flight can increase the number of tourists to Bali through the Lion Air Group network,” said airline director, Captain Darsito Hendroseputro, as quoted by Bali Post.

The Bali flight will depart from Don Mueng at 5:50am and land at Ngurah Rai Airport at 11:25am, local time, while return flights will depart from Bali at 1:20pm and land in Bangkok at 5:15pm.

Fares are at a promo rate at the moment, with a one-way trip running about IDR1,216,500 (US$92).

The airline, which is a partner of the Indonesia-based Lion Group will expand more routes to Indonesia, says Darsito.

Meanwhile, Indonesian tourism officials who are dead-set on constantly increasing foreign arrivals to Bali are thrilled about the new flight.

“The flight is in line with our plans to increase the number of international tourists, including those from Thailand who are coming to Indonesia. Support from airlines, including Thai Lion Air, with this exciting new route really helps our foreign arrivals target,” Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said.