Socio Today
PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, now operating under the brand InJourney Airports, has confirmed that the technical and operational preparations to restore jet engine flight services at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO) in Bandung are progressing according to the established timeline. This strategic move aims to revitalize air connectivity for the West Java provincial capital, with a phased reopening scheduled to commence in August 2026. The reactivation of jet operations at the downtown airport marks a significant shift in regional aviation policy, following a period where most jet traffic was diverted to West Java International Airport (Kertajati) in Majalengka.
Corporate Secretary Group Head of InJourney Airports, Arie Ahsanurrohim, stated that coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transportation and various aviation service providers, is being intensified to ensure a seamless transition. The primary focus of the current preparation phase is the strict fulfillment of operational readiness aspects as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. These requirements cover a broad spectrum of safety, security, and infrastructure upgrades necessary to accommodate narrow-body jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800 and the Airbus A320 families.
Technical Enhancements and Safety Protocols
To meet the rigorous safety standards required for jet operations, InJourney Airports is upgrading the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) capabilities. A critical component of this upgrade is the provision of Foam Tender vehicles and the fulfillment of Category 7 Emergency and Fire Fighting (PKP-PK) requirements. Category 7 status is essential for airports handling aircraft of the size and fuel capacity typical of modern commercial jets. According to the Ministry of Transportation, the fulfillment of these safety assets will be achieved through the mobilization of equipment from Kertajati Airport following the conclusion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage season, ensuring an efficient use of state-owned assets without the immediate need for new procurement.
On the security front, the airport is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul of its Screening Check Points (SCP). This includes the installation and calibration of advanced X-ray machines, Walk-Through Metal Detectors (WTMD), and Handheld Metal Detectors (HHTD). These measures are designed to streamline passenger flow while maintaining the highest levels of security protocols. Furthermore, airside improvements are currently underway to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the runway, taxiways, and apron areas. These "pavement classification number" (PCN) upgrades are vital to ensure the infrastructure can withstand the higher weight and landing impact of jet engines compared to the turboprop aircraft that have dominated the airport’s schedule in recent years.
A Two-Phase Strategic Implementation
The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has outlined a clear two-stage scenario for the return of jets to Bandung. Lukman F. Laisa, the Director General of Civil Aviation, explained that this phased approach is designed to test the airport’s systems and ensure that safety is never compromised for the sake of speed.
The first scenario, targeted for implementation on August 17, 2026—coinciding with Indonesia’s Independence Day—will see the airport begin serving jet flights on a limited basis. This initial phase will focus on business aviation, charter flights, and a select number of scheduled commercial operations supported by basic infrastructure readiness. This "soft opening" allows the airport operator to monitor ground handling efficiency and noise impact in the densely populated surrounding areas of Bandung.
The second scenario aims for full operational capacity by September 17, 2026. Under this phase, the airport is expected to manage a robust schedule of commercial jet flights through a sophisticated slot management system. This system is crucial for balancing the airport’s limited physical footprint with the high demand for take-off and landing windows. By September, the airport is projected to be fully equipped to handle high-frequency domestic and international routes using standard narrow-body aircraft.
Strong Airline Interest and Proposed Routes
The announcement of the reactivation has been met with significant enthusiasm from the aviation industry. InJourney Airports reports that six major carriers have already formally submitted expressions of interest to operate out of Husein Sastranegara. The proposed route network suggests a major boost for Bandung’s connectivity with both domestic hubs and international destinations.
Citilink, the low-cost subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, intends to link Bandung with major domestic centers including Kualanamu (Medan), Denpasar (Bali), and Surabaya. Super Air Jet, targeting the younger demographic, has proposed an extensive list of routes including Kualanamu, Denpasar, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Batam, Padang, Balikpapan, and Pontianak. Meanwhile, the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to restore its premium service between Bandung and Denpasar, catering to high-end tourism and business travelers.
In terms of international connectivity, Transnusa has applied for routes to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru in Malaysia, as well as a domestic link to Lampung. Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, is looking to reconnect Bandung directly with Singapore’s Changi Airport, a move that is expected to significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals in West Java. Additionally, Wings Air plans to maintain and expand its regional presence with routes to Lampung and Palembang.
Economic Implications and Tourism Synergy
The return of jet aircraft to Husein Sastranegara Airport is expected to have a transformative impact on the economy of Bandung and the surrounding regencies. Since the majority of jet operations moved to Kertajati in late 2023, the local tourism and hospitality sectors in Bandung reported a noticeable shift in visitor demographics. While Kertajati serves as a vital hub for the eastern part of West Java and the Rebana economic zone, the geographical proximity of Husein Sastranegara to Bandung’s city center remains a primary draw for weekend travelers and business professionals.
Economic analysts suggest that the "dual-airport" strategy for West Java—utilizing both BDO and Kertajati (KJT)—could create a synergistic effect. Kertajati can continue to focus on long-haul flights, wide-body aircraft, and cargo logistics, while Husein Sastranegara serves as a "boutique" city airport for high-frequency regional and domestic jet connections. This model is similar to the relationship between London City Airport and Heathrow, or Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, where proximity to the urban core provides a competitive advantage for short-to-medium haul travel.
The creative industries, fashion outlets, and culinary tourism for which Bandung is famous are poised for a rebound. Improved access for international travelers from Singapore and Malaysia via Scoot and Transnusa will likely increase the average occupancy rates of Bandung’s hotels, which have faced challenges in attracting international "fly-in" tourists since the post-pandemic restructuring of flight paths.
Historical Context and Regulatory Oversight
The decision to reintroduce jets to BDO comes after a period of evaluation by the Ministry of Transportation. Historically, Husein Sastranegara was the primary gateway to West Java. However, due to its location in a valley surrounded by mountains and its relatively short runway, safety and noise concerns led to the development of Kertajati International Airport. In October 2023, a major relocation occurred, moving all scheduled jet flights to Kertajati to stimulate growth in the Majalengka region and utilize the newly built infrastructure and toll road connectivity (Cisumdawu).
However, public demand for a more accessible option for Bandung residents and the need to optimize existing infrastructure at BDO led to the current reactivation plan. The Ministry of Transportation emphasized that this is not a reversal of the policy to support Kertajati, but rather an optimization of the national aviation ecosystem. The safety assessment and operational study completed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation serve as the legal and technical foundation for this reactivation.
Chronology of the Reactivation Plan
The journey toward the August 2026 reopening follows a structured timeline:
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Initial evaluation of the impact of jet relocation to Kertajati on Bandung’s local economy.
- July 2025: Ministry of Transportation initiates a comprehensive safety assessment and operational study for the return of limited jet operations to BDO.
- January 2026: InJourney Airports (following the merger of Angkasa Pura I and II) begins the technical audit of Husein Sastranegara’s airside and landside facilities.
- June 2026: Formal submission of interest by six airlines (Citilink, Super Air Jet, Garuda Indonesia, Transnusa, Scoot, and Wings Air).
- July 12, 2026: Official announcement by the Director General of Civil Aviation regarding the two-phase implementation scenario.
- August 17, 2026 (Targeted): Commencement of Phase 1 (Minimal jet operations, business, and charter flights).
- September 17, 2026 (Targeted): Commencement of Phase 2 (Full commercial jet operations with slot management).
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Aviation Ecosystem
As InJourney Airports moves forward with the final stages of preparation, the focus remains on balancing growth with regulatory compliance. The "InJourney" brand, which integrates various state-owned tourism and aviation assets, aims to create a seamless travel experience. For Bandung, this means not only better flights but also improved integration with local transport and tourism packages.
The successful reactivation of jet flights at Husein Sastranegara will depend on the airport’s ability to manage its environmental impact, particularly noise pollution, while delivering the efficiency that modern travelers expect. By leveraging existing assets and focusing on high-demand routes, Bandung is set to reclaim its position as a major hub for regional aviation in Southeast Asia, providing a vital boost to Indonesia’s post-pandemic economic landscape.
