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CITILINK is expanding aggressively. This time Citilink has added a new route from Jakarta via Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP) to Gatot Soebroto Airport (WTX) in Way Kanan, Lampung Province. The opening of the route is expected to strengthen air connectivity in the region, have a positive impact on the regional economy and support the tourism sector.
According to the head of the Silampari UPBU office, which oversees the Gatot Soebroto Airport Implementation Unit, Wachyu Setiawan, he welcomed the opening of this new route. There are many market potentials in this area that can be tapped.
First, the large population, where this area covers seven district governments spread across Lampung province and South Sumatra, with a population of about 3 million people.
Second, the industrial growth. There are 39 large-scale industries in the region, including plantations, rubber processing, palm oil, sugarcane, pineapple, and mining and oil industries.
Third, the increasing mobility of the community. The demand for travel outside the region and abroad continues to increase, including for Umrah, Hajj and tourism.
Fourth, tourism development. Tourist visits to the area are increasing, along with the development of tourist attractions in seven districts, which have the potential to support regional economic growth.
Fifth, passenger and cargo transportation. A total of 82 airports provide passenger and cargo transportation to and from the island of Java, further facilitating inter-regional mobility.
“With the operation of Citilink airline, of course, connectivity and flight operations to and from Way Kanan will have a broad positive impact on regional progress,” said Wachyu Setiawan, on Wednesday (02/05), 2025.
The Gatot Soebroto Airport itself currently has a runway of 2,100 meters with a width of 40 meters and a terminal area of 300 square meters. Although still relatively small, the facilities at Gatot Soebroto Airport are expected to be able to support flight operations that can bring great benefits to Way Kanan and the surrounding area.
“We are optimistic that with flight operations in Way Kanan, many benefits will be achieved, especially in terms of accessibility, which will of course support the economy of this region,” added Wachyu.
Wachyu Setiawan also hopes that the local government, together with the Ministry of Transportation and related stakeholders, can continue to synergize to develop and improve air transportation services at Gatot Soebroto Airport.
This synergy is expected to continue to promote infrastructure development and improve the quality of air transport services that can support economic growth and tourism in the region.
As reported by kompas.com, Citilink ticket prices for the Jakarta-Way Kanan route start at IDR1.2 million for a one-way trip. Citilink Jakarta-Way Kanan flights are operated by ATR-72 600 aircraft and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.
The schedule is as follows: (1). The aircraft with flight number QG 1998 departed Jakarta at 17:35 WIB and was scheduled to arrive at Way Kanan at 19:05 WIB. (2). The aircraft with flight number QG 1999 departed from Way Kanan at 19:30 WIB and was scheduled to arrive in Jakarta at 21:05 WIB. [sources/photo special].
