Traders at Pasar Baru, one of Bandung's key shopping destinations, welcomed plans to restore full operations at Husein Sastranegara Airport.

The response followed news that a foreign airline is interested in opening international routes to the city.

Chairman of the Bandung New Market Traders Association (HP2B), Iwan Suhermawan, stated that this move could drive Bandung’s economic recovery.

“Previously, around 100 to 200 Malaysian tourists visited Pasar Baru every day, and the number increased on weekends. Since international flights were diverted to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, visits dropped by up to 90 percent,” he said at Bandung City Hall on Tuesday (19/8).

Malaysia-Based Airline Proposes Direct Routes to Bandung

Iwan revealed that a Malaysia-based airline has shown interest in reactivating direct round-trip routes between Kuala Lumpur–Bandung and Penang–Bandung.

He mentioned that representatives from Malaysia have expressed a desire to meet with Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan to discuss the plan.

According to Iwan, Pasar Baru could benefit directly if these international routes are realized.

He noted that the market is a favorite shopping destination, especially for tourists from Malaysia.

Airport Reactivation Seen as Key to Boosting Visitor Numbers

Husein Sastranegara Airport currently only serves propeller aircraft. The plan to resume jet aircraft operations is expected to attract more international tourists, particularly from Malaysia.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bandung received 5.5 million visitors annually, with around 30 percent entering via Husein Sastranegara.

Iwan said that the full reopening of the airport, including international routes, would support the city’s economic revival.

Broad Impact on Bandung's Tourism and Service Sectors

Iwan added that the reactivation of the airport would not only benefit Pasar Baru but also other sectors in Bandung, including tourism and trade.

“If Husein Airport is reactivated, the impact won’t just be on Pasar Baru, but across the entire city. It can increase tourist arrivals and revive the struggling service economy,” he said.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.