CAG in talks over possible new flights to 3 Indonesian destinations

Flying from S'pore to Semarang, Palembang or Belitung now requires transfer in Jakarta

- Esther Loi

There could potentially be new flight connections between Singapore and three Indonesian destinations – Semarang in Central Java, Palembang in South Sumatra and Belitung Island off the east coast of Sumatra.

On June 20, airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) told The Straits Times that it is in talks with carriers about potential services for these three routes.

This follows the recent approval for the airports in Semarang, Palembang and Belitung to operate international flights.

"CAG is constantly in talks with airlines to explore opportunities for expanding connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia," it added.

This development comes after Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his desire for more air links between Singapore and Indonesia on June 16.

He noted that he had directed his relevant ministries in Indonesia to enhance the opening of all the country's airports to direct foreign airline connections.

"Of course, we have to improve the infrastructure and the safety mechanisms, but, in principle, I would like to see easier and faster access to our airports," said Mr Prabowo on June 16.

Air connections between Singapore and Indonesia were launched recently to Kertajati from September 2024 and Padang from December 2024, via flights operated by low-cost carrier Scoot.

In April 2024, the Indonesian authorities halved the number of airports that could operate international flights from 34 to 17, as part of a move to optimise local aviation operations.

And in May 2025, they recertified three more airports – in Semarang, Palembang and Belitung – to allow them to operate international flights.