On February 3, 2022, Bali Airport served the first regular international flight after the pandemic. The flight, Garuda Indonesia GA 881, arrived from Narita, Japan, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) Herry A.Y. Sikado said.
"The handling process for the arrival of Garuda Indonesia's international flight yesterday went smoothly. Passengers followed the process that we prepared according to the health protocols," he informed on Friday.
AP I also ensured that all passengers who came to Bali from Japan complied with strict health protocols, passed the document check, and were declared fit to fly, he said.
"Officers serving the passengers also used personal protective equipment and previously underwent an antigen test by the Port Health Office," he added.
Regarding the international flight routes that are starting to open, Sikado said the airport operator has made preparations by optimizing facilities and services at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali.
"We hope that the reopening of international flights will open other international routes in Bali, according to the needs of travelers," he added.
He also cited the possibility of the opening up of other international flight routes. On this matter, AP I will continue to collaborate with airlines and stakeholders and encourage them to add more international flights to serve the needs of passengers, he added.
"Of course, this effort will be carried out while still prioritizing the implementation of the health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic," Sikado said.
Earlier, deputy for marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Nia Niscaya, had said that the reopening of the international flight in Bali was aimed at restoring the economy, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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With the opening of international flights to Bali, the opportunity to boost the national economy through the tourism sector and the creative economy will expand, she added.
"The decision to reopen international flight to Bali has been taken with measurement. The government has considered various risks and potentials related to the reopening of international flights in Bali," she said.
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Translator: Naufal Fikri Y, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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