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Bali-Waingapu non-stop: what the TransNusa route means for East Sumba
Since 15 July, East Sumba has a direct link to Bali four times a week. The hard part, says the regent, is keeping it.
Since 15 July 2026, TransNusa has flown non-stop between Denpasar (Bali) and Waingapu, East Sumba, four times a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, according to ANTARA. Flight 8B-5652 leaves Bali at 08:19 and the return, 8B-5653, lands in Bali at 12:24, on a Comac ARJ-21 jet.
- TransNusa Denpasar-Waingapu non-stop since 15 July 2026.
- 4 flights a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
- 8B-5652 leaves Bali at 08:19; 8B-5653 lands back in Bali at 12:24 (Comac ARJ-21).
- Before the route, Bali to East Sumba meant a stop in Lombok or Kupang.
- East Sumba's regent, Umbu Lili Pekuwali, says the challenge is keeping the route running.
For years, travelling from Bali to East Sumba meant a stop in Lombok or Kupang. Since 15 July 2026, TransNusa flies Denpasar-Waingapu non-stop, four times a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Bali's Ngurah Rai airport announced the route together with a new Bali-Wakatobi service, opened the next day. According to ANTARA, the Waingapu flight (8B-5652) leaves Bali at 08:19 local time and the return (8B-5653) lands back in Bali at 12:24, on a Comac ARJ-21 jet.
Why the Bali-Waingapu flight matters
West Sumba already had daily flights to Tambolaka. The east, with its savannas, Wairinding hill, Walakiri beach and Tanggedu waterfall, was harder to reach. A direct link makes a classic route possible: fly into one airport and out of the other, crossing the island by road.
"The hard part is not the plane arriving"
East Sumba's regent, Umbu Lili Pekuwali, welcomed the route but warned that the real challenge is keeping it running. The airport's general manager asked for support so the new flights last and grow.
What it means
In short: if you want the route to stay, use it. Schedules can change, so check the airline before you book.
If you are travelling to Sumba from Bali, the direct flight lets you fly into Waingapu in the east and out of Tambolaka in the west (or the other way round), crossing the island by road. Schedules on small regional routes change, so check the current timetable with TransNusa before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Bali to Waingapu?
Yes. Since 15 July 2026, TransNusa has flown Denpasar-Waingapu non-stop four times a week, according to ANTARA.
Which days does the Bali-Waingapu flight operate?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Flight 8B-5652 leaves Bali at 08:19 and 8B-5653 lands back in Bali at 12:24. Check with the airline, as schedules can change.
Which airport should I use for West Sumba?
Tambolaka, in the west, already had daily flights from Bali. Waingapu is closest to the savannas, Walakiri beach and Tanggedu waterfall in the east.
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