Air connectivity between Indonesia and India has expanded with the launch of IndiGo Airlines’ first direct service between Mumbai and Bali. The new route strengthens links between the two countries in the fields of tourism and the economy.
The inaugural flight, operating as 6E 1607, landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, at 16:00 WITA on Saturday (18 October 2025). The Airbus A320 aircraft carried 173 passengers from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
Following the arrival, the same aircraft returned to Mumbai at 17:45 WITA under flight number 6E 1608. The route will operate daily, providing a direct connection between India’s financial hub and Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, said the launch represents a significant addition to Bali’s international flight network.
“We welcome the presence of IndiGo Airlines, which now offers direct access from Mumbai to Bali. This route not only expands the international flight network at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport but also strengthens tourism and economic ties between the two countries,” he stated, as quoted by SWA.co.id.
The Growing of Indian Tourist for Bali
India has emerged as one of Bali’s fastest-growing international markets. Data from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport recorded 438,646 tourist arrivals from India throughout 2025, an 8 per cent increase compared to 2024. This placed India as the third-largest source of international visitors after Australia and China.
The opening of the Mumbai–Bali service means that Ngurah Rai Airport is now directly connected to three major Indian cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. These connections are served by two airlines, IndiGo and Air India.
Airport officials consider this expansion a strategic move for bilateral relations. By linking India’s main business centre with Bali, the route is expected to facilitate greater movement of people for leisure and business purposes.
IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has positioned itself as a major operator in expanding regional connectivity. With the daily Mumbai–Bali flights, the airline strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia while responding to the growing demand for travel between the two countries.
For Bali, the route confirms the island’s position as a key entry point for Indonesia’s tourism sector. With visitor numbers from India showing consistent growth, the additional capacity is expected to support both holidaymakers and those travelling for cultural or business engagements.
As the daily service becomes established, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport continues to consolidate its role as a central hub for regional and global air traffic. The addition of Mumbai to its list of direct connections reflects the ongoing expansion of Indonesia’s aviation links with South Asia.
