Sriwijaya Air has announced it will open three new domestic routes ahead of Idul Fitri.

On May 23, the airline will kick off its maiden flight from Makassar in South Sulawesi to Tobello in North Maluku; on May 27, the airline will start its Medan-Surabaya route; and on May 30, it will start its Manado-Jakarta route.

“We always aim to improve our connectivity. The opening of the three routes is part of our efforts. The new routes will provide more choices for people,” Sriwijaya Air corporate secretary Retri Maya said in a statement on Tuesday.

She said the opening of the new routes was in response to demand for more direct flights. “With the new routes, Sriwijaya Air offers the best option to passengers,” Retri said as quoted by tribunnews.com.

The Makassar-Tobello flight departs at 3:30 a.m and will arrive at Tobello at 6:35 a.m., while the Tobello-Makassar flight will be served at 7:40 a.m. and will arrive in Makassar at 8:45 a.m.

The Medan–Surabaya route will be served at 6:15 a.m. and will arrive in Surabaya at 9:25 a.m.  Meanwhile, the Surabaya–Medan route will be served at 2:15 p.m. and will arrive in Medan at 5:45 p.m.

The Manado – Jakarta flight will take off at 7 p.m. and will arrive in Jakarta at 9:20 p.m., while the Jakarta – Manado route will depart at 12:50 a.m. and will arrive in Manado at 5:10 a.m. (bbn)