Rumours suggest that direct AirAsia Labuan Bajo Flights could be available from Kuala Lumpur, but nothing has been announced as of 28 December 2023, when this article was written. Update July 2024: AirAsia has announced direct Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo Flights starting 3 September 2024.

This article comes at a time when more birdwatchers are starting to explore outside of their comfort zone. Indonesia has been one of the hot destinations for birdwatching since the country fully opened up after the pandemic. There is a recent update at the end of this article.

AirAsia Labuan Bajo Flights

Opening an AirAsia direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo in Flores will please many Malaysians and other international travellers. This new route, with three weekly flights, also marks AirAsia’s first international flight to Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

I have visited Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands thrice in the last seven years to explore, scuba dive, and do birdwatching at Komodo Island. I also trekked up to Padar Island twice before they made the proper walkway there. After the pandemic, I feel it is time to make another trip back there, possibly for an update.

Labuan Bajo is one of the up-and-coming tourism destinations that is gaining momentum not only from nature and eco lovers but also from the general tourist; thanks to social media, this is one of the must-visit destinations in Indonesia.

The small town of Labuan Bajo has also improved a lot of tourism facilities and infrastructure, catering to more tourists every year. While Labuan Bajo is no Bali, you can expect some of the best tourism experiences here, which are not commercialised.

During my last scuba diving trip here, I found time to do birdwatching in Flores as I explored several locations around the island on my 10-day trip. This was one of my best Indonesian birding experiences, which was all new to me.

Currently, AirAsia flies from three main cities to Labuan Bajo from Indonesia; therefore, there are plenty of connecting choices for travellers who visit multiple places or prefer to make several stops along their journey.

The direct flights are;

1. Surabaya to Labuan Bajo since August 2023
2. Jakarta to Labuan Bajo since June 2023
3. Denpasar to Labuan Bajo since May 2022

Here is an article about things to do in Labuan Bajo, which I wrote in 2016 and is still valid. Therefore, I hope to revisit and update the information. For those planning to see the Komodo Dragon, read this article on how to go to Komodo Island.

If this is your first time visiting this part of the world, I recommend you read this article on Komodo Island for first-time visitors. It shares a lot of information that can make your journey here more accessible.

If you are adventurous, here is an article on how to go to Mount Kelimutu to see the fantastic three-coloured lakes on Flores Island. The tri-coloured lake is one of the marvels that can only be seen on this island and requires a little more time than your regular 4D/3N trip. You probably need at least 5-7 days to fully cover this place to explore Flores.

And finally, please visit the official AirAsia website to make your flight bookings to Labuan Bajo, as the connectivity is now even more accessible with several flights and airlines flying here.

Update 5 February: AirAsia Labuan Bajo flights are rumoured to start in May or June 2024. This is excellent news, and now we can wait for the official announcement within the next few weeks or months.

Update 11 July 2024: AirAsia has officially announced the direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo, flying there three times weekly.

Conclusion

With the good news coming out in mid-2024, I would be happy to revisit this incredible place for several reasons: more exploration of the people, culture and wildlife, more birdwatching, and maybe even more scuba diving.

My main objective is to do more birdwatching in Labuan Bajo and the surrounding areas around Flores. This island is not fully explored, as the typical tourist has only heard about Komodo Island. There are more exciting places like Wai Rebo and Kelimutu National Park, to name a few, so I’m happy to hear about the direct AirAsia Labuan Bajo flights from Kuala Lumpur.

The post AirAsia Labuan Bajo Flights first appeared on Bird Watching Asia.