KnE Social Sciences

Published date: Dec 03 2025

Journal Title: KnE Social Sciences

Issue title: The 5th International Conference on Tourism, Gastronomy, and Tourist Destination (TGDIC 2025)

Pages: 318 - 326

DOI: 10.18502/kss.v10i29.20275

Lut Mafrudohluthe.mafrudoh@gmail.comTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Myrza RahmanitaTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Agus RiyadiTrisakti Institute of Tourism, Jakarta

Air connectivity is a fundamental driver of tourism development, particularly in archipelagic nations such as Indonesia, where geographical barriers limit land and sea transportation. This study aims to analyze the relationship between aviation infrastructure, route networks, and the growth of Indonesia’s tourism sector. A qualitative case study supported by a systematic literature review (SLR) was employed, drawing on secondary data from tourism statistics, flight schedules, and policy reports. The analysis focused on key indicators such as direct international and domestic routes, airport capacity, and accessibility to remote tourist areas. Findings indicate that enhanced air connectivity significantly increases tourist arrivals and stimulates local economic development, especially in destinations recently integrated into national and international flight networks such as Labuan Bajo and Lake Toba. Airports functioning as regional hubs play a vital role in distributing visitor flows and strengthening regional competitiveness. However, the expansion of air services also poses challenges, including environmental sustainability, congestion, and overtourism in ecologically sensitive areas. The study concludes that while air connectivity positively contributes to tourism growth, coordinated policies between aviation and tourism authorities are essential to ensure equitable development. Integrated planning is required to balance economic benefits with environmental safeguards. Future research should further explore the socio-environmental impacts of increased air travel in emerging economies.

Keywords: air connectivity, tourism growth, airports, transportation infrastructure, flights

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