By 
Super Air Jet began a phased rollout of direct services from Bandung in September 2026. The expansion targets six primary destinations: Medan, Bali, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Pontianak, and Balikpapan. This initiative marks a significant pivot in regional logistics, as the Indonesian government seeks to improve air connectivity by returning operations to Husein Sastranegara International Airport.
Previously, a majority of Bandung-area flights were diverted to Kertajati Airport. By restoring direct access from the urban center, the government aims to reduce travel time for business travelers, students, and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises).
The initial impact of the restoration was evident on 18 September, when the first Medan-Bandung flight arrived with 170 passengers. Data shows 140 of these passengers disembarked in Bandung, while the remainder continued to Bali, demonstrating the viability of multi-city itineraries.
This expansion aligns with a broader provincial strategy. While six routes are active for September, a July government announcement indicated a wider eight-destination plan that includes Padang and Batam.
The move leverages West Java's position as a domestic tourism powerhouse. In July 2026, West Java recorded 18,859,209 domestic tourist trips—a 6.15% year-on-year increase—making it the top destination province in Indonesia.
Key Facts Breakdown
- Primary Hub: Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Bandung.
- Active September Routes: Medan, Bali, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Pontianak, and Balikpapan.
- Total Planned Routes: 8 (including Padang and Batam).
- July 2026 West Java Tourism: 18,859,209 domestic trips (up 6.15% YoY).
- National Tourism (July 2026): 107.44 million domestic trips (up 7.23% YoY).
- Bali International Arrivals (July 2026): 697,809 (up 15.34% from June).
- Bali Hotel Occupancy (July 2026): 67.29%.
Data Table: September 2026 Rollout Schedule
| Route from Bandung | Launch Date |
|---|---|
| Medan/Kualanamu | 18 September |
| Bali/Denpasar | 18 September |
| Pekanbaru | 18 September |
| Makassar | 19 September |
| Pontianak | 19 September |
| Balikpapan | 22 September |
Why This Matters
From a logistical perspective, the shift from Kertajati back to Husein Sastranegara is a victory for passenger convenience. Kertajati's distance from Bandung's urban core created a "last-mile" friction point that discouraged short-haul domestic travel. By eliminating the surface transfer, Super Air Jet is lowering the barrier for high-frequency business and leisure travel.
Our analysis of the route map suggests a strategic "archipelago bridge" strategy. Rather than funneling all traffic through Jakarta, these routes create direct corridors between West Java and the economic engines of Sumatra (Medan/Pekanbaru), Kalimantan (Pontianak/Balikpapan), and Sulawesi (Makassar). For the travel industry, this means tour operators can now package "Contrast Itineraries"—pairing the urban/mountain tourism of West Java with the beach tourism of Bali—without the logistical headache of navigating Jakarta's airport system.
Industry Outlook
The government's target of 16 million to 17.6 million international arrivals for 2026 will rely heavily on these secondary hubs. Expect further pressure on Husein Sastranegara to expand capacity if the initial six routes maintain high load factors. Market trends suggest that if the "Medan-Bandung-Bali" connection proves successful, we will see an increase in "triangular" flight patterns across the archipelago, further reducing the reliance on traditional hub-and-spoke models centered on Jakarta.
