Lombok set to be next hub for AirAsia

AirAsia is looking to turn Lombok into its next major hub, with plans to launch services to Perth, Yogyakarta and Denpasar by mid-year.

The budget carrier group states that the announcement of its hub plan follows a series of discussions on Lombok’s recovery from the 2018 earthquake, along with Indonesia’s plans to develop more tourist destinations across the archipelago.

“In the next few months, we will be working with airports and government authorities to turn Lombok into our newest hub in Indonesia, making this commitment a reality,” says AirAsia Groupchief executive Tony Fernandes.

In support of that goal, Indonesia AirAsia plans to base two Airbus A320s at Lombok, which will allow it to double its services to Kuala Lumpur, in addition to the new routes flagged.

FlightGlobal schedules data shows that Lombok Internationalairport is connected to 13 domestic destiantions, and to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

AirAsia operates the daily Kuala Lumpur service, and SilkAir the thrice-weekly flights to Singapore.

“As an idyllic destination, Lombok has so much potential,” says Indonesia AirAsia chief Dendy Kurniawan.

“We know that when we combine our resources and work with the tourism industry on marketing and public relations initiatives, we’re able to expand the market and drive greater demand for destination Lombok.”