Kertajati International Airport

Overview

Kertajati International Airport (Bandar Udara Internasional Kertajati) serves as a major aviation hub for West Java, Indonesia. Designed to alleviate congestion at Bandung's Husein Sastranegara Airport, it lies in the Majalengka Regency, roughly 68 kilometres east of Bandung city centre. Though initially opened with much fanfare, passenger traffic has been modest, with the airport primarily handling charter flights, Umrah pilgrimage charters, and occasional scheduled services. Its vast terminal and long runway (3,000 metres) can accommodate wide-body aircraft, making it a strategic asset for future growth in the region. The airport is operated by PT BIJB (Bandar Udara Internasional Jawa Barat) and is intended to support both domestic and international routes, particularly to destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Location & Access

Kertajati Airport is situated in Kertajati District, Majalengka Regency, in the eastern part of West Java. It lies near the border with Cirebon and Indramayu regencies, approximately 20 kilometres south of the Java Sea coast. The airport is about a 90-minute drive from Bandung via the Cipali Toll Road (exit at Kertajati–Kadipaten). From Cirebon city, it is roughly 40 kilometres south-west, taking around an hour by car. Public transportation options include DAMRI airport buses that connect to Bandung, Cirebon, and other nearby cities, as well as local angkot (minivans) and taxis. Ridesharing services like Gojek and Grab are also available, though less reliably than in larger cities. For those driving, the airport offers a spacious car park with wheelchair-accessible spaces.

Facilities

Kertajati International Airport provides a range of passenger amenities within its modern terminal. Key confirmed facilities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park: Dedicated accessible parking spots are located near the entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilets: The terminal is designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, with ramps and accessible restrooms.
• Baggage storage: Left-luggage services are available for those wishing to explore the region without their bags.
• Toilets: Clean and well-maintained public restrooms are located throughout the terminal, including baby changing tables.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet is provided, allowing travellers to stay connected.
• Changing tables: Family-friendly facilities are available in the restrooms.

Additional services may include retail shops, food and beverage outlets, and a prayer room (musholla), though these are subject to change based on operational hours and flight schedules. Given the airport's relatively low traffic, some amenities may have limited operating hours.

About the Region

Kertajati Airport serves a region rich in natural beauty, culture, and agriculture. West Java is known for its volcanic landscapes, with Mount Ciremai (3,078 metres) dominating the horizon near Majalengka. This active volcano is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding regencies are among Indonesia's key agricultural areas, producing rice, corn, and fruits such as mangoes and durians. The coastal areas to the north offer fishing villages and beaches, while the city of Cirebon—once a powerful sultanate—is famous for its unique blend of Javanese and Chinese heritage, reflected in its palaces (keraton), batik, and cuisine (notably nasi jamblang and tahu gejrot). Bandung, the provincial capital, is a city of cool highlands, colonial architecture, and thriving creative industries. Travellers using Kertajati often have onward journeys to these destinations, making the airport a convenient entry point for exploring eastern West Java and the northern coast.

Practical Information

• Address: Kertajati International Airport, Kertajati, Majalengka Regency, West Java 45457, Indonesia.
• Phone: +62 231 3000300
• Website: https://bijb.co.id/
• Hours: The airport is not open every day; it operates only on days with scheduled flights. Typically, the terminal opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Peak hours are around 3 pm and 4 pm local time. Check the official website or contact the airport directly for current flight schedules and operating days.
• Parking: Available with both standard and accessible spaces. Rates are modest.
• Transport: DAMRI buses and local taxis provide connections to Bandung, Cirebon, and nearby towns. Ridesharing apps can be used but may have limited availability.

Travellers are advised to confirm their flight status and airport operating hours in advance, as services may be intermittent. Despite its current low traffic, Kertajati offers a calm, spacious alternative to the busier airports in the region, with modern facilities and the potential for future growth.