Indonesia AirAsia launched direct DKI Jakarta-Manado City route

Capital A (AirAsia) subsidiary Indonesia AirAsia has launched a direct flight route from Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI) to Manado City, North Sulawesi Province. The new route is targeted to make it easier for tourists and businesspeople to explore Manado City, while also supporting tourism and economic growth in Eastern Indonesia. Acting Indonesia AirAsia President Director Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman stated that developing the domestic network in Indonesia is a key priority for Indonesia AirAsia.

"We believe this route will further open up opportunities for public mobility and support the Indonesian government's efforts to distribute national [transportation] connectivity equitably," said the Indonesia AirAsia flight captain in a press release on July 17, 2025.

Achmad added that the route also expands transportation connectivity for the people of Manado City through Indonesia AirAsia's Fly-Thru network. The service allows passengers from Manado can now more easily continue their journeys to various domestic destinations like Lampung as well as international destinations like Bangkok, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching, all on a single integrated ticket without having to change airlines. Conversely, international tourists also have more flight options to explore North Sulawesi via Manado City and other destinations in Indonesia through the Indonesia AirAsia flight network.

The number of tourist visits to North Sulawesi reached 5.49 million from January to May 2025 according to the latest data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which included 21,685 international tourists. Manado City was the favorite destination in the province, accruing more than 1.44 million visits. As the administrative and economic center of North Sulawesi, Manado is also the entry point to various attractive tourist destinations, such as the Bunaken Marine Park renowned for its coral reefs, the mountainous city of Tomohon with its fresh air and cultural attractions, and the Tangkoko National Park conservation area that is home to numerous endangered species.

Since DKI Jakarta serves as the center of national activity and a major international aviation hub, the route connecting the capital and Manado City is becoming increasingly important in promoting smooth travel and the growth of the tourism sector—particularly in eastern Indonesia.

"With the presence of this route, it is expected that connectivity between Western and Eastern Indonesia will be strengthened while also opening up more opportunities for growth in the tourism sector and the regional economy," he concluded.