The Komodo Airport is the name of the Labuan Bajo airport. It gain its International status in 2020. Here are some interesting facts about Komodo Airport.
Labuan Bajo is a fishing town located on the western tip of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara and has now become one of the most bustling tourism centers in Flores. The existence of Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo is very important as many people visit the area which is currently being developed to become the next new Bali attraction.
Labuan Bajo itself is a small town that serves as the gateway to the Komodo Islands. With the opening of this international airport, accessibility to this tourist area is easier, allowing tourists to explore the beauty of Komodo Island more comfortably.
Komodo Airport has been in operation since 2015. This airport can accommodate up to 1.1 million tourists annually. In the beginning, Komodo Airport had the name Mutiara II Airport which was later changed to Komodo Airport as a symbol of tourism in that area, which is the popular Komodo Island.
The interior design of this airport focuses on the introduction of culture in East Nusa Tenggara. It is built to international standards, equipped with modern facilities and adequate services. The airport terminal is equipped with comfortable waiting areas, restaurants and other tourist support services. The existence of this airport is expected to improve the travel experience of tourists and support the growth of the tourism industry in the area.
Komodo Airport is currently managed by international companies, namely PT Cardig Aero Services, Changi Airports MENA Pte Ltd. and Changi Airport International Pte Ltd.
Credit: finance.detik.com
Interesting Facts about Komodo Airport
Komodo Airport has many interesting facts to discuss. Some of them are:
1. New Runway Length
Over the past two years, Komodo Airport has extended its runway from 2,450 meters x 45 meters to 2,650 meters x 45 meters. Komodo Airport also improved the beautification of the 1,500 square meter terminal building. The terminal can accommodate 1.1 million travelers per year. The building is also designed with silhouettes of Komodo dragons and Wae Rebo traditional houses. Not only that, the concept carried is traditional or local wisdom with the songket mata ayam motif, although it still has a modern touch. The expansion of the airport, which occupies an area of 114.1 hectares, is carried out in order to support the tourism potential in the area which will become one of the 10 “New Bali” tourist destinations.
2. Boeing 737 Aircraft Can Landing at The Airport
Because the runway has been extended to 2,650 meters, currently Boeing 737 aircraft with a maximum load can landing at Komodo International Airport. The Boeing 737 can also take off from Komodo Airport, allowing airlines to use it on direct flights for overseas routes.
3. Managed by The Private Sector for 25 Years
The management of Komodo Airport was handed over to the private sector, which are a consortium of PT Cardig Aero Services (CAS) and Changi Airports Mena Pte Ltd from Singapore. The management of Komodo Airport uses the Government and Business Entity Cooperation Agreement (KPBU) scheme, which does not mean that the airport is sold to the private sector or foreigners. As the airport operator, CAS has invested up to Rp 1.2 trillion for development, which is targeted to be completed in the next five years.
4. Upgraded to International Airport Status in July 2020
Komodo Airport’s status has changed to an international airport in July 2020. However, until now, there has been no realization of direct flights from other countries to Komodo Airport. Currently, direct flights to Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport only come from within the country, such as city of Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Kupang and Ende. All because there is a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic since March 2020 and as a result some infrastructure and facilities still have not been repaired and adjusted to support the international route service. Until now, there have been two international airlines interested for direct flight to Labuan Bajo, which are Singapore and Australia.
Credit: majalahbandara.com
With the opening of Komodo Airport Labuan Bajo, Indonesia has opened the door to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. This step not only increases tourist accessibility to Komodo Island but also contributes positively to the local economy. However, the challenges of preserving nature and managing tourism growth must be addressed wisely to ensure that Komodo Island remains a sustainable and stunning tourist destination for years to come.
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