Kertajati Airport, Indonesia’s second-largest, is set to expand its reach with a new international flight route connecting Majalengka to Singapore, scheduled to commence on September 28, 2024. This development is expected to significantly impact tourism and the hospitality industry in the regions surrounding the airport, such as Cirebon, Kuningan, and Indramayu.
Operated by Scoot Airlines, this route marks Kertajati’s second international service following the launch of the Majalengka-Kuala Lumpur route. The introduction of this Singapore route is seen as a strategic move to enhance the airport’s role as a key gateway in West Java, particularly in light of the region’s growing infrastructure.
As anticipation builds for the inaugural flight, Scoot has introduced a promotional ticket price of IDR 450,000, available for booking from August 6, 2024.
“The entry of Scoot Airlines is a pivotal moment for Kertajati Airport, reflecting its readiness with top-tier facilities,” stated Muhammad Singgih, Director of BIJB, in a statement on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
To further entice travelers, a total of 3,014 free shuttle tickets have been made available for transport to and from BIJB Kertajati, with 1,360 of these provided by Scoot. These tickets, valid until the end of December 2024, can be claimed by presenting a boarding pass or ticket confirmation.
Singgih also shared aspirations that this new international connection could pave the way for more direct routes to global destinations. “We hope Scoot’s flights will serve as a precursor to Umrah services and direct routes to the Middle East,” he added.
Read also: Kertajati Airport Officially in Operation, Capable of Serving 12 Million Passengers Annually
Kertajati Airport, also known as West Java International Airport, boasts state-of-the-art facilities and recently served as an official Hajj embarkation and debarkation point under the code ‘KJT’. This has bolstered its reputation as a key player in Indonesia’s aviation landscape.
The opening of the Majalengka-Singapore route is anticipated to stimulate local tourism, with increased hotel occupancy rates and the emergence of new tourist destinations. It is also expected to foster the growth of travel agencies and related businesses in the region.
Benny Bachtiar, Head of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office, emphasized that this new route will not only benefit West Java but also enhance connectivity for residents of Central Java’s northern coastal areas, such as Brebes Regency.
The improved accessibility offered by the Trans Java Toll Road and the Cisumdawu Toll Road is likely to make Kertajati Airport a more attractive option for travelers from both Central Java and the Greater Bandung area. “With this direct route to Singapore, residents now have easier access for various purposes, be it tourism, medical treatment, business, or education,” Benny explained.
This expansion of Kertajati Airport’s international reach is poised to bolster the region’s economic prospects, offering new opportunities for local businesses and enhancing the area’s appeal as a travel hub in Indonesia.
