Ministry of Transportation Reveals Reasons for Garuda's Suspension of Jakarta-Bengkulu Route

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has revealed the reasons behind the suspension of Garuda Indonesia (GIA) flight operations on the Jakarta–Bengkulu route. Previously, the state-owned airline officially halted services on that route from 28 March 2026, with the last flight recorded on the same date. Director General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation, Lukman F Laisa, stated that the decision was influenced by passenger demand being divided with Citilink airline. He explained that the seat occupancy rate or load factor on Garuda Indonesia flights on that route was relatively low. For economy class, the load factor (LF) was recorded at around 65 percent, while business class was around 20 percent. According to Lukman, this situation was part of the considerations for the airline in adjusting its flight network strategy (network planning). “However, PT GIA is currently adjusting its network planning, so it is hoped that in the future, PT GIA can operate again in all provinces in Indonesia,” he added. Citing Antara, PT Angkasa Pura (AP) II Branch Office at Fatmawati Soekarno Airport in Bengkulu stated that Garuda Indonesia flight operations at the airport have ceased. Until now, the airline operated flights from Jakarta to Bengkulu and vice versa. Regarding the official reasons for the suspension of the airline’s flights at Fatmawati Soekarno Airport in Bengkulu, he did not know. “For the official details, please ask the airline directly,” he said.