The Ministry of Transportation aims to complete IKN Airport’s construction by December 2024, with commercial operations slated to begin in 2026.
The Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia aims for the Indonesian Capital (IKN) Airport to commence commercial operations and open to the public in 2026. Although its public opening is two years away, the IKN Airport has already hosted a landing by a presidential plane and undergone testing.
The construction of IKN Airport is targeted for completion by the 31st of December, 2024. The airport will feature a 3,000-metre runway and a terminal building covering 7,350 square metres. Once operational, it will accommodate large aircraft, including the B-777 300 ER and the A380.
According to the Ministry of Transportation’s spokesperson, Elba Damhuri, the airport’s commercialisation depends on the readiness of the IKN Authority, particularly the completion of road access and other supporting infrastructure.
“Because the process is long, if it is for commercial purposes as well, it needs trials and all kinds of stages. As the Deputy Minister said yesterday, perhaps it will be another two years before [the airport] becomes commercial; for now, it can be used for guests,” said Damhuri at the Ministry of Transportation Office on Tuesday, the 26th of November.
Damhuri also explained that IKN Airport would be directly managed by the Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Air Transportation. There are currently no plans to transfer management to private entities or the state-owned airport operator, Angkasa Pura Indonesia.
“If the IKN airport is [set] for commercial purposes, then we are still waiting for developments. Actually, it is also just a matter of the readiness of the IKN Authority. The IKN Airport will be managed by the Ministry of Transportation,” Damhuri added.
PT Hutama Karya, the contractor for the IKN Airport, reported that construction progress had reached 80.6% by the end of September 2024.
Executive Vice President (EVP) Corporate Secretary of Hutama Karya, Adjib Al Hakim, stated that their scope of work includes the construction of landside facilities such as infrastructure works (drainage, pedestrian pathways, access roads, and reservoirs), a VVIP Terminal, and a VIP Terminal inspired by the Dayak Tribe Shield design (Talawang), spanning 7,350 square metres.
Additionally, the project includes the AirNav Control Tower and Administration Office, Administration and Operational Building, PKP-PK Building (Aviation Accident Assistance and Fire Fighting), Meteorological Facilities, Genset/MPH Building, Pump House and GWT (Ground Water Tank), Cargo Facilities, Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), TPS-T Building (Integrated Waste Processing Facility), Worship Facilities, Official Residences (types 36, 70, and 120), and an Airside Checkpoint.
“Currently, the work that has been completed is the Infrastructure and VVIP Terminal, with the remaining work including the completion of the VIP Terminal, Control Tower and AirNav Administration Office, and other supporting buildings. The overall progress of the work has reached 80.6% and is targeted to be fully operational in December 2024,” said Al Hakim.