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Indonesian low-cost airline Citilink has launched its newest international route, departing from Denpasar in Bali to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. The direct travel opportunity also marks Citilink’s achievement as the first Indonesian airline carrier to connect the two countries.
The route made its maiden flight departing from Denpasar’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Passengers on board were diplomats, media personnel, business partners, tourists, and Port Moresby residents. Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s advanced team also flew in preparation for the president’s state visit.
Dewa Kadek Rai, the President Director of Citilink, applauded the momentous occasion, stating, “This is also a history for Citilink, particularly, as we become the first Indonesian carrier to offer direct flights connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.”
With this international flight route, Papua New Guineans can now visit Indonesia and Bali without having to stop over or transit in neighbouring countries. The air link will help boost the economic growth of both countries whilst contributing to the tourism sector and bilateral relations.
Elias Wohengu, the Foreign Affairs Secretary of Papua New Guinea, remarked that the union with Citilink is just the beginning of the nation’s connectivity goals. Near future plans involve opening northern border roads to allow diplomatic vehicles to pass through, followed by government vehicles, businesses, and people.
Prior to this, Papua New Guinean airline Air Niugini operated similar flights until 2018, when it was discontinued. The Citilink Denpasar-Papua New Guinea flight route is facilitated by the Airbus A320 aircraft and flies twice a week, mostly on Thursdays and Sundays.
