Starting October 2025, AirAsia will open new routes from Surabaya. These include international flights to Bangkok (Don Mueang, Thailand) and three cities in Kalimantan: Balikpapan, Berau, and Tarakan.

This expansion is part of AirAsia’s broader strategy to strengthen Surabaya’s position as a regional aviation hub and the main gateway to eastern Indonesia.

The Acting CEO of Indonesia AirAsia emphasized that opening these routes aims to expand air connectivity while supporting economic growth and the tourism sector.

“Surabaya has great potential as a regional connector. The Bangkok route will directly connect to our international network through Fly-Thru services, including to Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai,” they stated on Saturday (07/19/2025).

The Director of Flight Operations added that the company is now developing Surabaya not only as an international departure point but also as a domestic hub.

“This is just the beginning. We will make Surabaya a key hub for Kalimantan. We see tremendous potential in Balikpapan, Berau, and Tarakan,” they said.

This expansion has received full support from the East Java Provincial Government. The Head of Transportation stated that the new routes align with the mission to establish East Java as a national logistics hub, particularly in supporting the new capital city (IKN) in East Kalimantan.

“We welcome and take pride in this initiative. AirAsia’s move will accelerate economic growth, logistics mobility, and open broader tourism opportunities,” they explained.

The Surabaya-Bangkok route holds significant potential, especially for tourism. According to data, over 41,000 tourists from Thailand visited Indonesia between January and May 2025.

Domestically, Kalimantan also shows strong appeal, with over 6.5 million domestic tourist trips to East Kalimantan and more than 640,000 to North Kalimantan.

Surabaya

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, located on the northeastern coast of Java. Known as the “City of Heroes” for its pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence, it was the site of the famous 1945 Battle of Surabaya against Dutch colonial forces. Today, it is a bustling port city with a mix of modern development and historical landmarks, such as the Heroes Monument and the historic Arab Quarter.

Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, was established in 1782 by King Rama I as the new seat of the Siamese monarchy. Known for its vibrant street life, ornate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, and bustling markets, the city blends traditional culture with modernity. Once a small trading post, it has grown into a major economic and cultural hub in Southeast Asia.

Don Mueang

Don Mueang is an area in northern Bangkok, Thailand, best known for Don Mueang International Airport, one of the world’s oldest international airports, which began operations in 1914 as a military airfield before expanding for civilian use. The area also features historical sites like the Don Mueang Palace, a former royal residence built in the late 19th century during King Rama V’s reign. Today, the airport serves as a hub for low-cost airlines, while the surrounding district retains a mix of modern infrastructure and local Thai culture.

Balikpapan

Balikpapan is a coastal city in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for its oil industry and vibrant port. Founded in the 19th century, it grew rapidly as a Dutch colonial oil hub and played a key role in World War II as a strategic Allied supply base. Today, it is a bustling economic center with a mix of modern development and natural attractions like mangrove forests and beaches.

Berau

Berau is a regency in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural attractions, including the Derawan Islands, a popular destination for diving and marine life enthusiasts. Historically, Berau was part of the ancient Hindu kingdom of Berau, which flourished between the 14th and 17th centuries before coming under the influence of the Sultanate of Kutai. Today, it is a growing ecotourism hub, offering pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests.

Tarakan

Tarakan is a small island city in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, historically known for its rich oil reserves, which played a significant role during World War II. It was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942 and later liberated by Allied troops in 1945 during the Battle of Tarakan. Today, the city serves as a regional hub for trade and tourism, with remnants of its wartime history, such as bunkers and memorials, still visible.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village called Edo. It became Japan’s political center in 1603 under the Tokugawa shogunate and was renamed Tokyo in 1868 when the emperor moved there from Kyoto. Today, it is a global metropolis known for its blend of cutting-edge technology, historic temples, and vibrant pop culture.

Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with modern technology. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it became the capital of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394 and is home to historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. Today, Seoul is a global cultural and economic hub, known for its K-pop influence, cutting-edge innovation, and dynamic urban life.