The Indonesian government is moving to reactivate Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung, West Java, for scheduled commercial jet operations. According to Lukman F. Laisa, the Transportation Ministry’s civil aviation director general, preparations are underway to begin these operations on September 17. The Ministry of Transportation, in coordination with the state-owned airport operator InJourney Airports, has conducted inspections to ensure the facility meets the necessary standards for jetliners. While the airport currently handles propeller-driven aircraft, military flights, and flight school activities, adjustments are required to accommodate larger commercial jets.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Operational Readiness
To support the return of jet aircraft, the government has initiated several infrastructure improvements. Key measures include resurfacing and repairing the runway to meet the technical requirements of jetliners. Furthermore, the airport’s rescue and firefighting services are being upgraded from category five to category seven. The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), which oversees the air base sharing the facility, has expressed its support for the reactivation. Air Base Commander Air Commodore Irman Fathurrahman confirmed that the infrastructure is capable of handling large commercial jets, including Boeing and Airbus models. He noted that the base is prepared to support the transition once it receives an official decree and instructions from the Ministry of Transportation.
Economic Context and Strategic Goals
The decision to revive Husein Sastranegara follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, who requested the reactivation of two airports on the island of Java—Husein Sastranegara and Adi Sucipto in Yogyakarta—to stimulate regional economic growth. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has been a vocal proponent of the plan, emphasizing that the airport is essential for boosting tourism and business in the Greater Bandung area. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, the airport served approximately 3.8 million passengers, including 800,000 international travelers.
Addressing the Dual Airport Challenge
The reactivation plans are framed within a broader debate regarding the aviation ecosystem in West Java. Currently, commercial jet flights in the region are centralized at the West Java International Airport (BIJB) in Kertajati, Majalengka. However, BIJB has struggled to attract consistent airline traffic, with only a limited number of active flights currently recorded. Deputy Minister of Transportation Suntana stated that the ministry is conducting a thorough study to determine the best path forward, weighing the need to revitalize Husein Sastranegara against the operational costs of BIJB, which reportedly burden the provincial government with approximately Rp 60 billion in annual expenses. Mayor Farhan has proposed a “Dual Airport” concept, suggesting that both facilities be activated simultaneously. Under this model, Husein Sastranegara would serve as a satellite for BIJB, allowing the province to optimize air traffic. Farhan argued that waiting for one airport to succeed before activating the other hinders regional progress.
Logistical Considerations and Future Outlook
While the government maps out flight routes and seeks input from airlines, experts have noted significant hurdles. To ensure the success of the reactivation, local authorities are planning infrastructure enhancements, including improved road access from the Pasteur Toll Road to the airport complex. As the September 17 target approaches, the government continues to classify potential flight routes based on airline demand. For the city of Bandung, the goal remains clear: restoring Husein Sastranegara as a primary aviation gateway to sustain the city’s economic and tourism sectors.
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