TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – In a recent development, Blue Bird Nordic, operating under the name BBN Airlines Indonesia, has officially suspended its operations on the flight route connecting Jakarta (CGK) and Balikpapan (BPN). The Ministry of Transportation has expressed the necessity for BBN Airlines Indonesia to deliver precise information to affected passengers.
Acting Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, emphasized the importance of passenger rights in an official announcement on Tuesday, November 5. “We also appeal to BBN Airlines to ensure that passengers’ rights are duly honored by providing full refunds—100 percent of ticket costs—and refraining from reselling these tickets,” he stated.
Officially launched in September 2024, BBN Airlines Indonesia has acquired flight permits for three key domestic routes: Jakarta (CGK) to Surabaya (SUB), which began service on September 27, 2024; Jakarta (CGK) to Balikpapan (BPN), starting on September 30; and Jakarta (CGK) to Denpasar (DPS), which commenced on October 2. Additionally, the airline is set to introduce the CGK – Pontianak route, with its inaugural flight slated for November 15, expanding their service offerings.
However, Lukman reported that the CGK-BPN service had been halted since October 29, citing insufficient market demand as the primary reason. “The load factor, which compares the number of passengers to the available seating capacity, has averaged between 20 percent and 25 percent,” he revealed.
Acknowledging the decision to suspend flights due to low load factors, Lukman described it as a rational action aligned with market trends. “It’s a reasonable step as long as it does not adversely impact potential passengers,” he underscored.
Tempo reached out to BBN Airlines Indonesia’s marketing communications specialist, Dafa Yuliano, on November 5 to verify the suspension of the CGK-BPN route and to inquire about procedures for refunding tickets to prospective passengers. However, as of this update, no response has been received.
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**Interview with Lukman F. Laisa, Acting Director General of Air Transportation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Laisa. Could you shed some light on the recent suspension of BBN Airlines Indonesia’s operations between Jakarta and Balikpapan?
**Lukman F. Laisa:** Thank you for having me. Yes, BBN Airlines Indonesia has temporarily suspended its operations on the Jakarta to Balikpapan route. This decision was made to address certain operational challenges and ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.
**Interviewer:** What is the ministry’s role in this situation, and what do you expect from BBN Airlines is going forward?
**Lukman F. Laisa:** The Ministry of Transportation is actively monitoring the situation to ensure that passenger rights are upheld. We have emphasized the importance of BBN Airlines delivering accurate information to affected passengers and providing full refunds—100 percent of ticket costs—without reselling these tickets. It’s crucial that passengers feel respected and valued.
**Interviewer:** BBN Airlines Indonesia has only recently launched its operations. How might this suspension impact their reputation and future?
**Lukman F. Laisa:** Indeed, the airline was launched in September 2024 and had just begun servicing important domestic routes. This suspension may pose challenges for their reputation, but it’s essential that they focus on resolving the issues at hand and regaining passenger trust by honoring their commitments.
**Interviewer:** What message do you want to convey to the passengers who are affected by this suspension?
**Lukman F. Laisa:** I want to reassure affected passengers that their rights are a priority for us. We urge them to stay informed through official channels regarding their refunds and any further developments with BBN Airlines. We are committed to ensuring that the airline adheres to all necessary protocols during this time.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Laisa. We hope for a swift resolution to the situation for all parties involved.
**Lukman F. Laisa:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue.
