Garuda Indonesia Plans to Halt Flights in Bengkulu Due to Low Passenger Numbers

Sun, 08 Mar 2026, 19:13 WIB | By Irvan Sihombing | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Infrastructure

Garuda Indonesia plans to halt flight operations in Bengkulu Province on Monday (23 March) due to low passenger numbers. The decision prompts the Bengkulu Provincial Government (Pemprov Bengkulu) to take steps to ensure the service continues.

Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan said the authorities have held a meeting with Garuda Indonesia management to discuss the sustainability of the Jakarta–Bengkulu route and vice versa. The meeting aimed to ensure the national carrier continues to serve the province despite low passenger numbers.

“The plan to halt Garuda flights in Bengkulu is a serious concern. We immediately discussed with the management to keep the service operational,” Helmi said in Bengkulu.

Garuda’s management explained that the main factor for suspending the service is the low passenger numbers, which are not commensurate with the airline’s operating costs. This condition concerns the Pemprov Bengkulu to promptly seek solutions to raise the passenger load factor.

As a concrete step, the Provincial Government will coordinate with Forkopimda, all regents and mayors in the Bengkulu Province, as well as business players and related agencies. This coordination is expected to increase passenger numbers and maintain Garuda’s operations in the region.

Nevertheless, Garuda Indonesia flights at Fatmawati Soekarno Airport are currently operating normally. Flight activities continue while awaiting the final decision from the airline management.

“This step is important so that the national aviation service remains available for the people of Bengkulu, while also maintaining connectivity with the capital,” Helmi concluded. (MY/I-1)

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