Dudy Purwagandhi: Fulfill the Safety Aspects of Husein Airport to Serve Jet Aircraft

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi asked that all aspects of safety at Husein Sastranegara Airport, Bandung, West Java, including runway repairs (runway) and terminals, must be met before serving jet aircraft operations.

"The runway that has not been used for a long time, we ask for it to be repaired so that it can serve large aircraft," said the Minister of Transportation when confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday.

The Minister of Transportation emphasized that Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung had never been closed. However, the reopening of the airport to serve jet aircraft must be preceded by the fulfillment of a number of safety requirements set by the Directorate General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation.

According to Dudy, the government is opening the opportunity to reactivate Husein Airport as an airport that serves jet aircraft, if all the facilities needed have met operational and flight safety standards.

One of the main requirements is the repair of the runway (runway) which has not been used by large-bodied aircraft for a long time. The repair is needed so that the runway can meet the standards to support the safe operation of jet aircraft.

In addition to the runway, Dudy also asked for an increase in passenger terminal facilities. The terminal, which has been serving with limited passenger capacity, is considered to need to be improved, so that it can optimally support flight services with jet aircraft.

The Minister of Transportation emphasized that all aspects of safety were the main priority before Husein Airport was able to serve large aircraft flights again. Therefore, all technical requirements must be met before operations are resumed.

He added that the Directorate General of Air Transportation would evaluate all repair needs at Husein Airport.

After all safety requirements are met, the government will consider reopening the airport to serve jet aircraft.

"So the safety aspect that we ask to be met first before Husein Airport is operated again to serve large aircraft," said the Minister of Transportation.

Director General of Air Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Lukman F Laisa said that his party had checked with Angkasa Pura (Injourney Airports) on the condition of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung.

The results of the inspection showed that Husein Airport was still serving propeller planes. To serve jet planes again, a number of technical and safety requirements must first be met.

According to Lukman, the increase in the category of Aircraft Accident Assistance and Fire Fighting (PKP-PK) is a major requirement, namely from category five to category seven to meet operational standards.

In addition, the runway that has not been used by jet aircraft for a long time requires repairs, including overlay work and pavement strengthening, so that it can meet aviation safety standards again.

"Furthermore, the improvement of systematization in the airport, baggage, X-ray system, lighting, all will be checked again to improve, so that this airport is worthy of being used properly," said Lukman.

The government has notified all stakeholders of the plan to reopen Husein Airport. The route will be adjusted to the airline's request.