Central Java Reconnects With KL As Semarang Airport Relaunches Flights

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- International flights from Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, Central Java, resumed on Friday with the relaunch of direct services to Kuala Lumpur, drawing an enthusiastic response from residents and travellers.

The Kuala Lumpur-Semarang route is operated by AirAsia and was relaunched at a ceremony officiated by Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen at the airport’s international boarding lounge.

“Hopefully, this service will open up tourism and business links directly to Central Java, boosting the local economy,” he said, according to the provincial information office.

The airport’s international status, which had been temporarily revoked following COVID-19, was reinstated by the provincial government under Indonesia’s Ministry of Transport decree KM 37/2025.

A local traveller, Budi Nugroho, said he learned about the direct flight to Kuala Lumpur via social media and appreciated the time it saves.

“We wanted to try it because previously flights had to transit in Jakarta before heading abroad,” said Budi, who travelled with his wife and two children.

Three friends from Semarang; Vina, Riyan and Tika also planned a holiday as soon as they saw the news online.

“It’s excellent; this has been our hope since the pandemic,” said Vina.

International visitors likewise welcomed the resumption, noting that it will ease travel across Southeast Asia and encourage longer stays.

“I’ve been in Central Java for 10 days, and now I’m heading to Malaysia. This is important for tourists, so we can tour the islands and travel onwards easily,” said Guilian, a visitor from Barcelona.

-- BERNAMA