Bandung Airport Reopens, But Whoosh Train Expected to Stay Popular

PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) is confident that its Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train, Whoosh, will maintain its popularity even with the commercial reopening of Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung. The airport's return to service introduces potential competition for transportation modes in the Bandung region.

Emir Monti, KCIC's Corporate Communications Manager, stated that the company does not anticipate a significant impact on Whoosh passenger numbers. He emphasized that the high-speed train provides a distinct appeal, functioning not merely as a transit method but as a travel destination in itself. "However, we see that Whoosh is still in demand by the public because it is not just a mode of transportation, but a destination that is worth trying for people who want to go to Bandung," Monti said.

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However, we see that Whoosh is still in demand by the public because it is not just a mode of transportation, but a destination that is worth trying for people who want to go to Bandung.

Monti views both the Whoosh train and air travel via Husein Sastranegara Airport as complementary services, each catering to different passenger needs. "So, with the reopening of Husein Sastranegara Airport, KCIC sees this as complementing transportation to the Bandung area. There are passengers who need to use air travel as well as the high-speed train, according to their respective needs," he explained.

Passenger numbers for the Whoosh train have remained stable since the airport resumed commercial operations. Data from August 2026 indicates that the three Whoosh stations in West Java collectively handle an average of over 18,000 passenger departures and arrivals daily. Stasiun Padalarang is the busiest, with approximately 13,000 passengers per day, followed by Tegalluar Summarecon with about 5,000, and Karawang with around 1,000.

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So, with the reopening of Husein Sastranegara Airport, KCIC sees this as complementing transportation to the Bandung area. There are passengers who need to use air travel as well as the high-speed train, according to their respective needs.