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THE INDONESIAN government is trying to increase the frequency of flights so that plane ticket prices become cheaper. This was revealed in connection with the increasing number of people who use air transportation modes to travel, along with various easing of regulations, including travel regulations.
However, the high number of passengers is apparently not accompanied by a sufficient number of flights. In fact, the number of flights operating has not returned to the way it was before the pandemic.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno said the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transportation are currently trying to communicate with airlines in order to increase the number of flight frequencies so that it is hoped that the price of plane tickets will be more affordable.
“Also exploring opportunities to open new routes and routes as well as promotional packages in an effort to increase the number of passengers. The Tourism Ministry will prioritize the arrival of airlines from five countries that contribute the most foreign tourist arrivals to Bali,” he said.
He explained that the five countries were Australia, England, France, Singapore and the United States. So, the target of visiting 1.8 million to 3.6 million foreign tourists this year is expected to be achieved. Meanwhile, a number of airlines are said to be still in a position to revitalize.
“So, it’s time for us to invite foreign airlines to fly to Indonesia, so that there will be more flight capacity. If the flight capacity increases, ticket prices will automatically decrease as well,” he remarked.
Sandiaga said that one of the reasons behind the high price of airline tickets was the phenomenon of revenge travel due to the increasing number of tourists traveling after about two years of being at home during the pandemic.
However, it is not proportional to the number of available airplane seats. As a result, there is a law that the market price of airplane tickets soars, making it unaffordable for tourists.
“Therefore, that currently a number of coordinations are being carried out with the relevant policy makers. Therefore, we are coordinating intensely with related parties, including the Ministry of State-Owned Enterpises, the Ministry of Transportation, as well as airlines,” said Sandiaga.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi said that the recovery of the aviation industry in a number of countries would occur. However, the time and speed of the recovery will vary, depending on the characteristics of the geographical area and also the policies of each country. [sources/photo special]
