Husein Sastranegara Airport Ready for Reactivation of Commercial Flights

The Air Force Air Base (Lanud) Husein Sastranegara has stated its full readiness to support the central government’s plan to reactivate Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, West Java, for commercial aviation operations on a large scale as in the past.

The Commander of Lanud Husein Sastranegara, Air Marshal M.D. Irman Fathurrahman, affirmed that the Air Base welcomes the plan for the advancement of Bandung and West Java generally. According to Irman, all facilities and infrastructure at Husein Sastranegara Airport are currently in excellent condition and ready for use. The airport remains entirely suitable for servicing narrow-body commercial jet operations such as Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

To date, airport facilities have been well maintained as they continue to support military flight operations and very important person (VVIP) mobility. However, full commercial operations must await formal decision and instruction from the Transport Ministry, transmitted through the headquarters of the Air Force.

Despite the aviation facilities being assessed as without constraints, the Base Commander noted the importance of urban planning improvements and enhancement of transport access to the airport area.

The reactivation plan stemmed from President Prabowo Subianto’s directive asking the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) together with the Defence Ministry to reassess the commercial function of the airport. The return of commercial jet operations is believed to revive Bandung’s tourism and economic sectors. As reference, Husein Sastranegara Airport has a track record of very high performance prior to any restrictions.