Garuda Reopens Bali-Bandung Route, Jet Aircraft Return to Husein Sastranegara
Air connectivity between Bali and Bandung has been restored through regular Garuda Indonesia flights. The inaugural Bali-Bandung-Bali service also marks the return of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung to regular jet operations after commercial flight services had previously been diverted.
The inaugural flight took place on Friday (14/8/2026), ahead of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia operated flight GA335 from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Husein Sastranegara Airport.
“The inaugural flight on this route signifies the re-optimisation of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung for regular flights, which also coincides with the moment ahead of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Acting General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Purna Irawan in Denpasar on Saturday.
Aircraft GA335 departed I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport at 09.44 WITA carrying 162 passengers. The aircraft then landed in Bandung at 10.15 WIB.
The arrival holds significant meaning for Husein Sastranegara as it was the first jet aircraft to land at the airport following the optimisation process.
For the return journey, Garuda operated flight GA334 from Bandung to Bali. The aircraft took off at 11.47 WIB and arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport at 14.30 WITA carrying 162 passengers.
The load factor on the inaugural flights in both directions demonstrates the existence of a direct travel market between Bali and Bandung. Both cities have strong travel bases, whether for tourism, business, education or family visits.
The return of direct flights also provides an alternative for passengers from Bandung and surrounding areas wishing to travel to Bali without having to first make a land journey to another airport. Likewise, tourists from Bali gain direct access to Bandung.
The air connectivity has the potential to strengthen tourist movement between two major national destinations. Bali has international tourism appeal, while Bandung and the West Java region have large tourism, creative economy, trade and education markets.
“We welcome the inaugural flights to and from Bandung. This momentum becomes even more special as it takes place amid the spirit of welcoming the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, while also being part of efforts to provide broader air connectivity for the public,” said Purna.