Summary
- Etihad Airways is launching its first-ever flights to Bali, offering a tropical escape for travelers seeking tranquility and excitement.
- The flights will operate four times a week, with convenient timings for passengers to enjoy a long weekend on the island.
- Etihad’s stopover package allows passengers to take advantage of a complimentary hotel stay in Abu Dhabi and explore the UAE’s capital before continuing their journey.
UAE Flag carrier Etihad Airways is launching flights to the idyllic destination of Bali. The airline is introducing the services to the tropical Indonesian getaway for the very first time, with four weekly flights commencing next spring.
Flights to paradise
Etihad Airways will begin the nonstop flights from its hub at Abu Dhabi International (AUH) on April 23rd, 2024. This will be the only link from Abu Dhabi to the island of Bali. The carrier currently serves the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (CGK) twice daily with an Airbus A330 operated by Wamos Air.
The flights are timed to facilitate connections across Etihad’s European and North American networks. The flights will last roughly nine hours, landing at the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) around midday. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, explained why the airline chose the island as its next destination:
“We are thrilled to announce our first-ever flights to Bali. This exciting development follows closely on the heels of our dynamic Summer 24 schedule, reinforcing our dedication to expanding our network in tune with the needs of our customers so they can travel to their desired destinations in comfort and style.
“Bali is the quintessential tropical escape, enchanting travellers with its verdant surroundings, vivid culture, and dreamlike beaches. From jade-green rice terraces to pristine white sands, the island balances exquisite beauty with deep tradition, offering a bewitching escape for those looking for tranquility and excitement alike.
“We have timed the flights so guests can even enjoy a long weekend if they choose. We can’t wait to go there.”
The market shows a strong potential for demand. Around 4,500 people have transited between Abu Dhabi and Bali over the past year, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. This number reaches closer to 100,000 when nearby Dubai is included. Fellow UAE carrier Emirates flies to DSP twice daily with a Boeing 777 and an Airbus A380.
When do they fly?
The flights are currently scheduled to be operated by the carriers’ Boeing 787-9. The airline has two versions of that Dreamliner. A two-class configuration with 28 seats in business and 262 in the economy cabin, and a three-class version that features eight seats in first class, 28 in business, and 190 in the economy section.
From next April, Etihad will operate flights to Bali four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The outbound leg is an overnight flight, while the return arrives in Abu Dhabi shortly before midnight.
| Flight number | Frequency | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time |
| EY 476 | Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 22:25 | Bali (DPS) | 11:35 |
| EY 477 | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays | Bali (DPS) | 18:45 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 23:45 |
Fancy a stopover? The schedule facilitates passengers traveling across to Europe and North America to take advantage of the carrier’s stopover package, which includes a complimentary stay in a three-star hotel for up to two nights to enjoy the sights and attractions of the UAE’s capital.
Photo: Etihad Airways
Emirates is not the only carrier to add flights to Bali in recent months. Vistara inaugurated daily, nonstop flights between Delhi and Bali on December 1st, using its Airbus A321LR aircraft.
