Citilink’s New Jakarta-Bangkok Route Expands Travel Connectivity and Competes with AirAsia, Batik Air, and Thai Lion Air

Published on December 18, 2025

In an exciting development for Southeast Asian air travel, Citilink, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, has officially launched daily flights between Jakarta and Bangkok, marking its entry into the competitive market of Jakarta-Bangkok air routes. This new route, which commenced on December 12, 2025, offers travelers from Indonesia and Thailand a convenient and affordable travel option while competing head-on with other regional low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Batik Air, and Thai Lion Air.

The new Citilink Jakarta–Bangkok route adds to the growing demand for affordable air travel between Indonesia and Thailand, two of Southeast Asia’s most prominent travel hubs. The route will see Citilink operating a daily Airbus A320 flight, with a total capacity of 180 seats, offering low-cost yet reliable options for both business and leisure travelers.

The Competitive Landscape: Citilink vs. Other Regional Carriers

With Citilink’s entry into the Jakarta–Bangkok route, the airline will directly compete with major players in the region. AirAsia currently dominates this route with 21 weekly flights, while Batik Air operates 8 flights weekly and Thai Lion Air runs 11 flights weekly. This intense competition reflects the strong demand for affordable travel between the two countries, and Citilink hopes to tap into this growing market.

The new service will provide travelers with more options and flexibility when planning their trips between the bustling cities of Jakarta and Bangkok. Citilink’s round-trip fares start at USD 315, slightly higher than AirAsia at USD 249, and on par with Batik Air and Thai Lion Air at USD 316. Although it’s a slightly premium price, Citilink’s service offers passengers a chance to enjoy its unique brand of low-cost luxury.

TAT Welcomes Citilink’s Inaugural Jakarta-Bangkok Flight with Open Arms

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has expressed strong support for Citilink’s new route, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance Thailand’s air connectivity with Indonesia, which is one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in Southeast Asia. TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, led the welcome ceremony at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. He emphasized that the new service would not only strengthen accessibility for Indonesian tourists but also support sustainable, high-quality visitor growth across ASEAN countries.

Pattaraanong noted that Indonesia is an increasingly important market for Thailand due to the growing number of young, independent travelers seeking authentic experiences. He added that Citilink’s Jakarta–Bangkok flights are a vital step in ensuring convenience and flexibility for Indonesian tourists visiting Thailand, providing them with more options for exploring the country’s vibrant culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Flight Schedule and Key Details for the Jakarta-Bangkok Route

The inaugural Citilink Jakarta-Bangkok flight (QG512) departs Jakarta at 12:30 PM, arriving in Bangkok at 4:10 PM. The return flight QG513 departs Bangkok at 5:10 PM, arriving back in Jakarta at 8:30 PM. This schedule ensures that travelers have ample time for connecting flights, whether they are flying onward to other destinations or spending time in Bangkok or Jakarta before continuing their journey.

In terms of operations, Citilink has made significant investments in the customer experience, offering both comfortable seating and affordable service on this new route. The airline’s focus on providing high-quality service without compromising affordability has resonated with travelers looking for both convenience and value.

Boosting Tourism: Citilink’s Role in Strengthening ASEAN Travel Ties

Citilink’s daily flights will not only serve the tourism needs of Indonesian travelers heading to Thailand, but will also benefit Thai tourists looking to explore Indonesia. The growth of Southeast Asia’s tourism sector has been fueled by increasing travel connectivity between neighboring countries, and the new Jakarta–Bangkok service is a perfect example of this expanding network.

According to TAT’s visitor arrival data, 735,443 Indonesian tourists visited Thailand between January and December 2025, and this number is expected to reach 1 million by 2026. The addition of Citilink’s daily flights will help bolster this trend, giving travelers more affordable options to explore Thailand’s diverse attractions, from the Grand Palace in Bangkok to the beaches of Phuket and the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.

Future Plans for Citilink’s Regional Expansion

This new service between Jakarta and Bangkok is just one part of Citilink’s broader expansion strategy. The airline has been steadily increasing its regional routes, focusing on Southeast Asia and other key markets. In the coming years, Citilink is expected to further enhance its network, providing travelers with more choices and seamless connections between Southeast Asian countries and beyond.

The airline’s growth comes at a time when Southeast Asia’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid recovery post-pandemic, with more passengers returning to the skies and increasing demand for affordable travel options. Citilink’s expansion plans will help it capture a larger share of this market, offering competitive pricing and dependable service for regional travelers.

Conclusion: Citilink’s New Route Strengthens ASEAN Connectivity

Citilink’s Jakarta–Bangkok route is a welcome addition to Southeast Asia’s air travel landscape, offering greater flexibility and choice for travelers between Indonesia and Thailand. With its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality service, Citilink is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the region. The airline’s expansion further strengthens the travel ties between these two rapidly growing markets, ensuring more affordable and convenient travel options for Southeast Asian travelers.

As the airline continues to grow its network, Citilink’s role in Southeast Asia’s aviation sector will likely expand, offering more opportunities for international travel while maintaining the values of affordability and comfort that have made it a top choice for many passengers.