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Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport

Coordinates: 05°31′24″N 95°25′13″E / 5.52333°N 95.42028°E / 5.52333; 95.42028
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Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport

Bandar Udara Internasional Sultan Iskandar Muda
Summary
Airport typePublic / Military
OwnerGovernment of Indonesia
OperatorInJourney Airports
ServesBanda Aceh
LocationBlang Bintang, Aceh Besar, Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia
Opened1943; 82 years ago (1943)
Time zoneWIB (UTC+07:00)
Elevation AMSL20 m / 65 ft
Coordinates05°31′24″N 95°25′13″E / 5.52333°N 95.42028°E / 5.52333; 95.42028
Websitewww.sultaniskandarmuda-airport.co.id
Maps
Sumatra region in Indonesia
Sumatra region in Indonesia
BTJ/WITT is located in Aceh
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
Location in Aceh, Northern Sumatra, Sumatra and Indonesia
BTJ/WITT is located in Northern Sumatra
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT (Northern Sumatra)
BTJ/WITT is located in Sumatra
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT (Sumatra)
BTJ/WITT is located in Indonesia
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT (Indonesia)
BTJ/WITT is located in Southeast Asia
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT (Southeast Asia)
BTJ/WITT is located in Asia
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT
BTJ/WITT (Asia)
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
17/35 3,000 9,843 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
Passengers687,969 (Increase 59.2%)
Cargo (tonnes)4,676 (Decrease 33.30%)
Aircraft movements6,230 (Increase 3.9%)
Source: DGCA[1][2]

Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (IATA: BTJ, ICAO: WITT), formerly known as Blangbintang Airport, is an international airport serving Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province in Indonesia. While it primarily serves Banda Aceh, the airport is not located within the city itself; it lies in Aceh Besar Regency, approximately 13.5 km (8.4 miles) southeast of the city center. The airport is named in honor of Sultan Iskandar Muda, the twelfth ruler of the Aceh Sultanate, who reigned from 1607 to 1636 and is recognized as a national hero of Indonesia. As the main air gateway to Banda Aceh and the broader Aceh region, the airport plays a vital role in regional connectivity. It offers regular domestic flights to major cities such as Jakarta and Medan, and maintains international routes to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia

In addition to functioning as a commercial airport, it also hosts the Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, a Type B facility of the Indonesian Air Force. The airbase is situated southeast of the passenger terminal, across the runway.

History

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The airport was originally constructed by the Japanese in 1943 during World War II, serving as a military airbase to support their operations against Allied forces during the occupation of Indonesia.[3] It was initially known as Blangbintang Airport, named after the district where it is located. Before this airport was built, there had been another airport in Lhoknga, constructed by the Dutch colonial government.[4] This airport was seized by the Japanese during their invasion in 1942 and repurposed as a military airbase. Together with Blangbintang, both airbases became key strongholds for the Japanese during the war.[5]

In its early years, Blangbintang Airport featured a T-shaped runway measuring 1,400 by 30 meters. Following Japan's surrender, the airbase remained closed for several years. During this period, the Japanese left behind a large stockpile of weapons at the base, which was eventually seized by local Acehnese militias.[5]

After the Indonesian National Revolution, the airport remained inactive for several years before being reopened in 1953 by the newly independent Indonesian government. The first aircraft to land after its reopening was a DC-3 Dakota, known in its military variant as the C-47. In 1968, the airport underwent a runway expansion, extending its length to 1,850 by 45 meters. Further development took place in 1993 and 1994 ahead of the Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) festival held in Banda Aceh, during which the runway was extended again to 2,250 by 45 meters. This upgrade enabled the airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 737.[3]

In 1995, the airport was renamed to its current name in honor of Sultan Iskandar Muda, a prominent ruler of the Aceh Sultanate who reigned from 1607 to 1636 and is recognized as a national hero of Indonesia. He is widely remembered for ushering in the golden age of the Aceh Sultanate, during which it became a prosperous and dominant power in the region. Sultan Iskandar Muda is also celebrated for his resistance against Portuguese colonial expansion in Southeast Asia.[6] This was followed by another runway extension in 1999, increasing its length to 2,500 meters to accommodate medium-sized aircraft such as the Airbus A330, in preparation for the commencement of Hajj flights for pilgrims traveling to Jeddah.[7]

During the insurgency in Aceh, the airport served as a strategic launch point for aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force, which carried out attacks on Acehnese rebels.[8] It also became a key arrival point for Indonesian troops preparing for military operations in the region. On 19 May 2003, 458 Indonesian paratroopers landed near the airport as part of an offensive against Acehnese rebels.[9][10]

The airport sustained significant damage following the powerful earthquake and tsunami that devastated Aceh on December 26, 2004. However, the airport was fortunate to avoid direct impact from the tsunami waves, enabling it to remain operational. During the emergency response phase, the airport played a crucial role as a central hub for international aid. All logistics sent to support the people of Aceh were processed through the airport before being distributed to various affected regions. Additionally, the area surrounding the airport was utilized as a temporary refuge for displaced individuals during the crisis.[3]

Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport got World's Best Airport for Halal Travellers in the World Halal Tourism Awards 2016.[11]

Facilities and development

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Between 2007 and 2009, Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport underwent a significant expansion, which included the construction of a larger passenger terminal along with various supporting infrastructure. The new terminal was designed in a modern Acehnese architectural style, enriched with traditional decorative motifs. Spanning three floors and covering 14,144 square meters, the terminal is capable of accommodating up to 1.75 million passengers annually.[12] It is equipped with two jet bridges, with a third added in 2018 to enhance passenger handling capacity.[13]

The interior of the terminal showcases a harmonious fusion of modern Islamic architecture and aesthetic elements drawn from traditional Acehnese design. Externally, the terminal features three prominent domes that symbolize Aceh’s unique status in Indonesia, representing the pillars of religion, culture, and education.[12]

The development project also involved extending and widening the runway to 3,000 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747, expanding the aircraft parking apron, and constructing a new air traffic control (ATC) tower. The total investment for the project reached 503 billion rupiah, comprising 125 billion rupiah from Angkasa Pura II’s internal funds and 478 billion rupiah from the Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR).[12]

The upgraded airport was officially inaugurated by the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on August 20, 2009, during his visit to Aceh to open the fifth annual Aceh Cultural Week (Pekan Kebudayaan Aceh).[14] On October 9, 2011, the airport successfully accommodated its first Boeing 747-400 landing and departure.[15]

Airlines and destinations

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Passenger

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AirlinesDestinations
AirAsia Kuala Lumpur–International
Batik Air Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta
Citilink Seasonal: Jeddah[16]
Firefly Penang
Garuda Indonesia Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta
Seasonal: Jeddah, Medina
Lion Air Seasonal: Jeddah, Medina
Pelita Air Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta[17]
Super Air Jet Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta,[18] Kuala Lumpur–International, Medan[19][20]
Susi Air Kutacane,[21] Sabang,[22] Sinabang, Tapaktuan[23]

Cargo

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AirlinesDestinations
Airfast Indonesia Cargo Medan, Jakarta–Soekarno-Hatta

Traffic and statistics

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Apron view of Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport

Traffic

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Annual passenger numbers and aircraft statistics
Year
Passengers
handled
Passenger
% change
Cargo
(tonnes)
Cargo
% change
Aircraft
movements
Aircraft
% change
2009 577,825 Steady 2,724 Steady 5,604 Steady
2010 573,240 Decrease 0.8 3,033 Increase 11.3 6,213 Increase 10.9
2011 705,713 Increase 23.1 5,153 Increase 69.9 5,769 Decrease 7.1
2012 672,695 Decrease 4.7 2,785 Decrease 46.0 5,851 Increase 1.4
2013 711,796 Increase 5.8 2,942 Increase 5.6 7,308 Increase 24.9
2014 721,728 Increase 1.4 3,653 Increase 24.2 5,594 Decrease 23.5
2015 748,721 Increase 3.7 3,759 Increase 2.9 6,050 Increase 8.2
2016 954,911 Increase 27.5 4,038 Increase 7.4 8,819 Increase 45.8
2017 1,198,274 Increase 25.5 5,146 Increase 27.4 10,231 Increase 16.0
2018 1,273,132 Increase 6.2 5,836 Increase 13.4 10,510 Increase 2.7
2019 1,106,674 Decrease 13.1 5,070 Decrease 13.1 9,279 Decrease 11.7
2020 381,389 Decrease 65.5 5,343 Increase 5.4 4,204 Decrease 54.7
2021 321,285 Decrease 15.8 7,438 Increase 39.2 3,975 Decrease 5.4
2022 432,090 Increase 34.5 7,014 Decrease 5.7 6,485 Increase 63.1
2023 687,969 Increase 59.2 4,676 Decrease 33.3 6,230 Decrease 3.9
Source: DGCA, BPS[2][24]

Statistics

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[edit]
  • Check-in area
    Check-in area
  • Boarding gate
    Boarding gate
  • Baggage claim area
    Baggage claim area

Accidents and incidents

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  • On 31 January 1993, a Shorts SC.7 Skyvan 3-100 of Pan-Malaysian Air Transport, a non-scheduled domestic flight from Medan to Banda Aceh crashed into Mount Kapur because of bad weather. All 14 passengers and crew were killed.
  • On 4 January 2005, a Boeing 737-200C of Tri-MG Intra Asia Airlines was part of the relief operation to the tsunami stricken area of Banda Aceh. As the aircraft landed in Banda Aceh during the night, it struck a water buffalo that had entered the runway. The main gear on the port side collapsed, causing damage to the gear and port engine. There were no injuries and the aircraft was declared a write off and scrapped several months later.
  • On 18 April 2006, a PZL M28 Skytruck owned by Kepolisian Republik Indonesia experienced a tire burst on landing at the airport. There were no fatalities in this incident, but several flights at the airport were delayed up to three hours.
  • On 7 September 2012, a Boeing 737-900ER owned by Lion Air flight number JT 305 Banda Aceh-Medan route failed to take off twice due to irregularities with the security system. However, at 18:00 pm the plane finally took off and flew to Medan, North Sumatra. The number of passengers on board was originally 210 passengers including the former governor of Aceh, Irwandi Yusuf but 39 of them cancel flights.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Bandar Udara Sultan Iskandar Muda" (in Indonesian). Ministry of Transportation. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Statistik Angkatan Udara 2023" (PDF). DGCA. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Banyak Disebut Netizen, Ini Sejarah Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda". Tempo (in Indonesian). 30 July 2019. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  4. ^ Mursalin (2020-10-17). "Di Bawah Langit Lhoknga". Pos Aceh (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  5. ^ a b Norman, Iskandar (16 February 2024). "Aceh Hari Ini, 16 Februari 1946 : Kisah "Hantu" Blang Bintang dan Teror Terhadap Jepang". www.acehinfo.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  6. ^ Sh, Inang; Gewati, Mikhael (11 November 2024). "Jejak Pahlawan di Langit Nusantara, Makna di Balik Nama Bandara Internasional Indonesia". Kompas (in Indonesian).
  7. ^ Abik, Hendri (5 September 2020). "Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda Blangbintang Aceh Besar, Pusat Bantuan Kala Tsunami Menerjang". Serambi Wiki (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  8. ^ "Kisah Eks GAM Saat Konflik Aceh: Markas Dibombardir 'Si Kampret' (6)". kumparan (in Indonesian). 14 August 2019. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  9. ^ "Indonesia Goes After Aceh Rebels".
  10. ^ "Major Military Attack Unfolds Against Rebels in Indonesia". Associated Press.
  11. ^ JONIANSYAH HARDJONO (December 15, 2016). "Sultan Iskandar Muda Named World Best Airport for Halal Travelers".
  12. ^ a b c "Presiden Resmikan Bandara Iskandar Muda". Kompas (in Indonesian). 6 August 2009.
  13. ^ Said, Muhammad (6 March 2018). "Bandara SIM tambah satu garbarata - ANTARA News Aceh". Antara News. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  14. ^ "Presiden Resmikan Bandara Sultan Iskandar Muda dan Enam Proyek Infrastruktur | Sekretariat Negara". Ministry of the State Secretariat (in Indonesian). 7 August 2009. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  15. ^ "Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport worthy to serve wide-body aircraft". 9 October 2011.
  16. ^ "Citilink Indonesia Layani Penerbangan Umrah Perdana dari Bandara SIM, Terbang Langsung ke Jeddah". dishub.acehprov. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  17. ^ "Pelita Air Bakal Layani Rute Jakarta-Aceh Mulai 3 April 2024". dishub.acehprov.go.id. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  18. ^ "Super Air Jet to launch Jakarta-Banda Aceh service from 14-Jun-2024". CAPA. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  19. ^ "Starting August 3, 2024, Super Air Jet will operate its inaugural flight from Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (BTJ) in Aceh Besar to Medan via Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia". babelpos.bacakoran.co. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  20. ^ "LION AIR GROUP CARRIERS AUG 2024 INDONESIA NETWORK ADDITIONS". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  21. ^ Luwi, Asnawi (7 January 2025). "Pesawat Susi Air Rute Kutacane- Banda Aceh, Ini Jadwal dan Harga Tiketnya". tribungayo.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
  22. ^ Harnita, Cut Meriska (16 April 2024). "Penerbangan Susi Air Resmi Dibuka, Jalur Udara jadi Alternatif Wisatawan dari Banda Aceh ke Sabang". acehprov.go.id/ (in Indonesian).
  23. ^ Safrina (10 February 2025). "Bandara Teuku Cut Ali Layani Penerbangan Perintis Tapaktuan-Banda Aceh". acehprov.go.id (in Indonesian).
  24. ^ "Statistik Angkatan Udara 2019" (PDF). DGCA. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
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