Airplane passengers in West Sulawesi decrease, ship passengers increase in February 2024

Mamuju, 1 April 2024 – The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of West Sulawesi Province (Sulbar) noted that the number of airplane passengers departing and arriving in West Sulawesi had decreased in February 2024 compared to January 2024.

"The number of airplane passengers departing in February 2024 fell 18.80 percent to 1,365 passengers, while those arriving fell 28.03 percent to 1,376 passengers," said Head of BPS West Sulawesi, Tina Wahyufitri, in a press release, Monday (1/4).

On the other hand, the number of ship passengers departing and arriving in West Sulawesi has actually increased.

"The number of departing ship passengers rose 43.24 percent to 689 passengers, and those arriving rose 52.07 percent to 1,802 passengers," explained Tina.

The decline in airplane passengers in West Sulawesi is thought to be caused by several factors, such as relatively high airplane ticket prices, reduced number of flights, changes in seasons.

Meanwhile, the increase in ship passengers in West Sulawesi is thought to be caused by relatively cheap ship ticket prices, increased connectivity between islands, and the existence of a free homecoming program.