When Will Bandung's Husein Airport Rise from the Grave? Here's the Date

The Ministry of Transportation, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is continuing to accelerate preparations for the reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, undertaking a series of integrated technical and operational steps with all stakeholders. Preparations for the reactivation have been carried out on both the air side and land side over the past two to three weeks. Based on the established timeline, full operational readiness to serve jet aircraft is targeted for 17 September 2026. The Directorate General is also preparing an acceleration scenario, following a directive from the Minister of Defence, so that the airport is ready for reactivation by 17 August 2026. To ensure this readiness, the Directorate General will conduct further coordination with the Commander of Husein Sastranegara Air Force Base to agree on the implementation timeline. Director General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F. Laisa, stated that the entire reactivation process is based on a comprehensive operational study and safety assessment. “The reactivation of Husein Sastranegara Airport will be carried out in stages, prioritising the principles of safety, security, and compliance with all civil aviation regulations. We have approved the operational study and safety assessment as the basis for the reactivation, and are ensuring all technical and operational needs are met before the airport resumes optimal operations,” Lukman said. Currently, Husein Sastranegara Airport has several limitations, including a restricted land area due to dense residential settlements surrounding the airport, a runway length of 2,220 x 45 metres which cannot be extended, limitations in the Aviation Operational Safety Area, and shared use with the Indonesian Air Force. To support services for critical aircraft categories such as the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320, a number of infrastructure improvements are required, including runway and taxiway overlays, rigid apron reconstruction, and flexible apron overlay. Additionally, an upgrade of the Aviation Accident Rescue and Fire Fighting category to Category 7 is needed, along with the addition of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicles, personnel reinforcement, and terminal facility repairs including roof repairs, waterproofing, and improvements to passenger service facilities. As part of the acceleration effort, the Directorate General is pushing for the immediate fulfilment of Category 7 PKP-PK requirements through the mobilisation of existing resources, with an option to transfer PKP-PK vehicles from Kertajati Airport after the completion of Hajj pilgrim repatriation operations. All supporting equipment needs will also be met through asset mobilisation without new procurement, allowing the reactivation process to run more efficiently. The Directorate General has also prepared two operational options for the reactivation. The first option is operating the airport to serve ATR72-500 aircraft, business aviation, and charter flights. The second option allows Husein Sastranegara Airport to serve Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320 aircraft with the implementation of a slot management system to regulate operational capacity safely and effectively. “We are committed to ensuring the reactivation process adheres to international aviation safety standards. All preparations are being carried out meticulously through intensive coordination with all stakeholders so that the airport can once again provide safe, comfortable, and reliable services for the public,” Lukman concluded.