The only method to get to Komodo National Park in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara region is through flights to Komodo Island, the airport of Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) on Flores Island. Whether you're coming from Bali or Jakarta on a domestic flight or connecting through international hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, this airport is where you land.
This guide has information about flight routes, airline alternatives, how to get to Komodo, and other useful information for people who want to visit Komodo National Park. Understanding your flying alternatives significantly affects your budget and schedule, whether your trip is all about scuba diving with manta rays, watching Komodo dragons, or discovering pink beaches. The target demographic comprises people who want to travel, dive, or just want to go to Komodo without spending too much or having to wait for anything that could have been avoided.
Labuan Bajo Airport has direct flights from major Indonesian cities such Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta, and Surabaya. During the busiest times of year, there are also some international flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Most people fly to LBJ through Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is the last stop before LBJ.
Deep Dive Into Flights to Komodo Island
Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) is on the western tip of Flores Island. It is about 30 to 50 kilometers by boat from the main attractions in Komodo National Park. There is no airport on Komodo Island itself because it is a protected area with rough volcanic terrain. LBJ is the only airport for anyone flying there.
Speedboats can get to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo town in 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Rinca Island, which has the second-largest population of Komodo dragons, is about an hour away by boat. When arranging your trip, it's very important to know when your flight will arrive because of this boat connection.
If you reserve one of the island resorts, like Komodo Resort, it's best to be to Labuan Bajo by 5PM at the latest. This is because sailing is not allowed at night for safety reasons.
Domestic Flight Routes
Many Indonesian cities have direct flights to Labuan Bajo, with Bali being the main hub:
- Denpasar (Bali): Most frequent route with 4-6 daily flights, 1-hour duration
- Jakarta: Direct options available, 2.5-3 hour flight time
- Surabaya: 1.5-hour direct flights, fewer daily departures
- Makassar: Regional connections for travelers from Sulawesi
Depending on the airline and the condition of the runway, these routes are flown by ATR-72 propeller planes and Airbus A320 jets. Labuan Bajo Airport had approximately 1.2 million passengers in 2023, which was a 150% increase from before the epidemic. This meant that the domestic airline network grew a lot.
International Flight Routes
There are still only a few direct international lines, although they are growing. Indonesia AirAsia flies to Kuala Lumpur on a seasonal basis, and charter routes sometimes connect Singapore to other cities.
Most people who travel internationally connect through:
- Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Primary hub with global connections
- Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK): Alternative for travelers from Europe and the Americas
- Singapore Changi (SIN): Offers AirAsia connections during peak months
There are more international flights available from April to October, when calm seas and less people draw in divers. Check rates and availability early, because some routes fill up quickly during the busy season.
Airlines and Booking Options
Your budget and travel experience will both be affected by your choice of carrier. There are both full-service and budget airlines that fly to Labuan Bajo, and each has its own benefits.
Major Airlines Serving Labuan Bajo
| Airline | Service Level | Typical One-Way Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garuda Indonesia | Full-service | $100-150 | Included meals, 30kg baggage |
| Batik Air Indonesia | Full-service | $90-130 | Comfortable seating, good legroom |
| Lion Air/Wings Air | Budget | $90-130 | Basic fare, paid add-ons |
| Indonesia AirAsia | Budget | $100-150 | Lowest base fares, à la carte pricing |
| Citilink | Budget | $100-150 | Garuda subsidiary, reliable schedule |
Batik Air is a good choice for passengers who desire comfort but don't want to pay Garuda Indonesia's high prices. Indonesia AirAsia frequently has the cheapest one-way flights for tourists on a budget, but there are extra fees for choosing a seat and bringing luggage.
Wings Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, flies smaller ATR-72 planes on some itineraries. This is crucial to know if you have a lot of diving gear.
Flight Frequency and Scheduling
In the low season, there are 4 to 6 flights to Komodo island a day from Bali. In the high season (April to October), there are 8 to 10 flights a day. There are 2–3 daily alternatives in Jakarta and Surabaya all year long.
If you want to take a boat tour the same day you arrive, book morning flights to Labuan Bajo. Most diving operators and day excursion boats leave between 8 and 9 AM, thus getting there the day before will make sure you don't miss any connections because of delays.
The peak season timetable adds more trips to meet tourist demand, but they fill up quickly. For the best variety, look for availability at least 60 days before your vacation dates.
Price Comparison and Booking Platforms
Booking directly through airline websites generally has the same or lower pricing than third-party sites, and it's quicker to make modifications if you need to. But comparison sites can help you find the greatest pricing across all providers.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airline direct | Easy changes, full fare control | Must check each airline separately |
| Expedia Group company sites | Compare multiple airlines, bundle hotel | Change policies vary, additional terms apply |
| Traveloka | Strong for Indonesian domestic flights | Currency conversion fees possible |
| Skyscanner | Comprehensive search, price alerts | Redirects to various booking sites |
Price ranges to expect:
- Domestic flights: $75-200 one way depending on carrier and timing
- International flight connections: $400-800 roundtrip found through major hubs
Prices may change based on demand, gasoline costs, and the time of year. Taxes and levies make base tickets 10% to 20% more expensive.
Optimal Booking Strategies and Timing
The prices of flights to Komodo Island change with the seasons in ways that are easy to forecast based on the weather and the number of tourists. Booking at the right time can save you a lot of money.
Best Booking Timeline
Follow this sequence for optimal pricing:
- Book domestic flights 28+ days in advance for standard pricing; last minute flight deals rarely apply to popular LBJ routes
- Monitor international connections 60-90 days out when airlines release discounted inventory
- Consider Tuesday-Thursday departures for 10-20% savings over weekend flights
- Search on Sundays when many airlines update weekly pricing
- Set price alerts on comparison sites to catch temporary drops
Adults 18 and older who are flying with children should verify the rules ahead of time. The price of an infant's economy seat varies by airline, and some low-cost carriers charge extra for assured nearby space.
Seasonal Pricing Analysis
| Period | Price Level | Weather | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April-June | Higher prices | Dry, calm seas | Moderate | Diving, snorkeling |
| July-August | Peak pricing (+30-50%) | Dry, excellent visibility | Crowded | Dragon viewing, beaches |
| September-October | Moderate-high | Transitional | Fewer crowds | Value-conscious travelers |
| November-March | Lower prices (-20-30%) | Wet season, rougher seas | Quiet | Budget travelers, flexibility |
The time of year called "shoulder season" (September to October and early April) is the finest since rates are affordable, the weather is nice, and the crowds are few. March provides discounts for the wet season, but it could be hard to get to some spots because of rough waves.
Cheap flights are most common from November to February, although boat connections aren't as reliable. Choose based on what matters most to you: saving money or making sure the seas are calm for diving.
What To Look Out For
To get to Komodo Island, you have to make a lot of transfers, and things go wrong more often than with direct flights. Planning for frequent problems keeps trips from being ruined.
Flight Delays and Missed Connections
During the busy season, 20–30% of flights into LBJ Komodo airport are delayed because of the weather, air traffic, and the difficult approach over mountains.
Delays and cancellations are even more frequent during the wet season in Komodo (January - February) when the weather is the most unstable.
Get to Labuan Bajo a day before your scheduled boat excursion or dive package. Make a reservation at a hotel and add an extra night as a buffer. If you fly during the wet season (November to March), think about getting flexible tickets that let you alter your flight without paying a lot of extra fees. Each airline has its own policy about this.
Limited Flight Availability
During July and August, when dragon breeding is at its best and international visitors are at their highest, popular routes sell out weeks in advance.
For a better choices, book during the off-peak months or think about taking a different route. Sometimes, when direct flights from Jakarta to LBJ are full, there are seats available on flights from Surabaya to LBJ. Multi-stop routing has the benefit of giving you more options for departure times, even though it takes longer overall.
Baggage Restrictions for Adventure Gear
When you go scuba diving, your gear can be hard to carry. Depending on the carrier and ticket class, standard allowances range from 15 to 30 kilos. Dive gear alone can weigh 20 to 30 kg.
Solutions by airline:
- Garuda Indonesia: 30kg included, supplemental sports equipment allowance available
- Batik Air: 30kg standard, pre-purchase excess online for savings
- Budget carriers: 15-20kg base, expect $30-50 fees for excess
You might also rent equipment in the town of Labuan Bajo. Many dive operators have good gear, so you don't have to worry about getting it there. This method works well for recreational dives. Professionals who need their own gear should arrange full-service carriers or pay for their bags ahead of time.
What's Next
Flights to Komodo Island must go through Labuan Bajo Airport, and Bali is the main hub for both domestic and international tourists. Booking ahead of time—28 days or more for domestic tickets and 60 to 90 days for foreign flights—can save you a lot of money compared to buying at the last minute. Many airlines fly these routes, from low-cost ones like Indonesia AirAsia to full-service ones like Garuda Indonesia. The best deals usually show up in the middle of the week during shoulder seasons.
Immediate action steps:
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms using the table above
- Book accommodation in Labuan Bajo for arrival one day before your planned island trip
- Confirm diving or tour operator pickup schedules align with your flight arrival time
- Check baggage policies if bringing dive equipment
Some other things to look into are where to stay in Labuan Bajo, how to choose a boat tour to the Komodo and Rinca islands, and what the current admission criteria and fees are for Komodo National Park (which range from IDR 150,000 to 500,000 depending on country and activity).
Additional Resources
Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) Information:
- Official name: Komodo International Airport
- Location: West Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province
- Distance to city center: 2km from Labuan Bajo town
Current Park Fees (availability are subject to confirmation):
- Indonesian citizens: IDR 150,000
- Foreign visitors: IDR 350,000-500,000
- Diving supplements: Additional fees apply
Recommended Booking Platforms:
- Airline direct sites for Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Lion Air
- Traveloka for Indonesian domestic flights comparison
- Skyscanner for international connection searches
Please note that prices, schedules, and availability are all subject to change. The fees listed are trademarks of the companies that own them. Airlines can change their rules at any time, so be sure to check the current terms before you book. Some platforms need cookies to work properly. If you can't access fare searches, check your browser settings and make sure bots are not blocked.