Farhan: Reactivation of Husein Airport to Strengthen Bandung's Investment and Tourism
Bandung (ANTARA) - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan believes the reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport can strengthen investment growth and the movement of the tourism sector in Bandung, West Java.
Farhan said the government has completed various discussions regarding the airport’s resumption of operations, which will serve both domestic and international flights.
“Within the next two months, we will push for full readiness so that Bandung is truly prepared to welcome flights again,” Farhan said in Bandung on Thursday.
Farhan noted that for international routes, Husein Airport is projected to once again serve flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore. Domestic routes will include Medan, Pekanbaru, Padang, Batam, Pontianak, Makassar, and Denpasar.
He explained that the Bandung city government is currently preparing various supporting infrastructure to ensure the reactivation of Husein Airport runs optimally.
“We are improving the access roads to the airport, normalising drainage, and upgrading public street lighting. Parking management will be handled by a parking operator working directly with the Husein Sastranegara Air Force Base,” he said.
He estimated that Husein Airport’s operations would resume between August and September 2026, and a number of airlines have also expressed readiness to operate domestic and international flights from Bandung.
Nevertheless, Farhan stressed that improved air connectivity will not automatically boost tourist numbers or investment if the city of Bandung is not ready to capitalise on the opportunity.
“The reactivation of Husein Airport with eight domestic and three international destinations will not immediately become a driver if we are not prepared,” he said.
According to him, improved connectivity must be accompanied by strengthening the city’s attractions so that tourists remain interested in visiting even if airfares rise.
“Airfares may increase. That is why we must create something very attractive in Bandung so that people are willing to pay more to come to Bandung. That is the most important thing,” Farhan said.