Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises are preparing for the anticipated surge in travel during the Christmas and New Year holiday. PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney) projects an increase in air passenger traffic for the 2024 holiday season compared to last year, following a 10% reduction in domestic airplane ticket prices.
InJourney CEO Maya Watono explained the proections during press conference held at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises in Jakarta on Friday, December 6. Maya stated that passenger traffic at InJourney-operated airports during the festive period is expected to grow by 4.52% to 5% compared to 2023.
“International passenger traffic is projected to reach 2.2 million, a 23.2% increase from 1.79 million last year. However, domestic passenger numbers are expected to decline slightly to 6.004 million, down 1% from 6.066 million in 2023,” Watono said, as reported by CNBC Indonesia.
While passenger numbers are forecasted to rise, aircraft movements are expected to decline by 2.84% compared to last year.
“International aircraft movements are projected to reach 12,965, up 15.4% from 11,227 in 2023. Meanwhile, domestic flights are expected to decrease to 45,406, down 7.03% from 48,842 last year,” Watono explained.
Maya noted, nearly 88% of passenger traffic will be concentrated at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. She explained, the passenger traffic at Soekarno-Hatta is projected to increase by 8.92%, while Ngurah Rai Airport is expected to see a 12% rise year-over-year.
Travel Surge Preparations
To accommodate the spike in holiday travel, InJourney will operate airports 24 hours a day for an 18-day period from December 19, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Watono highlighted that peak departure traffic is expected on December 20, while the busiest return day is forecasted for January 4, 2025.
To ensure smooth travel during the holidays, InJourney has mobilized 15,998 personnel across critical service areas.
“These include 336 customer service agents, 2,883 facility care staff, and 381 trolley operators strategically placed at key passenger touchpoints to ensure seamless operations during peak travel days,” Watono said.
Indonesia Reduces Domestic Airplane Ticket Prices by 10% for Christmas and New Year
Lower Fares to Boost Tourism
In a bid to drive economic activity and support Indonesia’s tourism sector, InJourney has reduced fees for Passenger Service Charges (PJP2U) and Landing, Placement, and Aircraft Storage Services (PJP4U). The reduced charges, effective for 16 days from December 19 to January 3, apply to all domestic economy flights, contributing to the 10% drop in ticket prices.
“The fare reduction aims to deliver a significant economic multiplier effect, especially for Indonesia’s recovering tourism industry,” Watono added.
The Indonesian government remains optimistic that these measures will not only ensure smoother holiday travel but also stimulate economic growth and boost the country’s tourism sector during one of the busiest periods of the year.
(Raidi/Agung)
