Phuket, 9 September 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today welcomed TransNusa Airlines flight 8B541 from Bali on its inaugural arrival at Phuket International Airport, launching a new direct connection between two of Southeast Asia’s leading island destinations. The inaugural flight arrived at full capacity with 174 passengers, who received a warm welcome from representatives of TAT, TransNusa Airlines, Airports of Thailand and tourism partners.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Bali–Phuket service advances TAT’s Airline Focus strategy and supports the Thai Government’s Ease of Travelling policy by expanding convenient air access within Southeast Asia. The route creates new opportunities to attract Indonesian travellers to Phuket’s beaches, gastronomy, culture, wellness and lifestyle experiences, while strengthening tourism flows and broader regional connectivity.”
Operated with an Airbus A320-200, the Bali–Phuket service flies four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, adding approximately 700 seats per week from Bali to Thailand. Flight 8B541 departs Bali at 11.30 hrs and arrives in Phuket at 14.35 hrs, while the return service departs Phuket at 16.40 hrs.
The Phuket launch follows TransNusa Airlines’ inaugural Jakarta–Bangkok service on 6 August 2026, making Bali–Phuket the airline’s second new direct route to Thailand in just over a month. The new services build on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by TAT and TransNusa Airlines in Jakarta on 4 August 2026, covering destination marketing, travel product development and enhanced air connectivity.
Indonesia remains a high-potential short-haul market for Thailand, with 429,778 arrivals recorded from 1 January–7 September 2026, following 787,524 in 2025 and against TAT’s 2026 target of 890,000. Most Indonesian visitors travel for leisure, with 84.70 per cent travelling independently and 52.86 per cent being repeat visitors. Bangkok, Songkhla, Chon Buri, Phuket and Krabi are the five leading destinations, while Thai cuisine, historical attractions, community-based experiences, spa treatments and beach activities rank among their preferred pursuits. Food and beverages, destination diversity and shopping are key travel motivators, reinforcing Phuket’s strong appeal to this market.
