aviation

Nataru 2025: International Flights Surge In Eastern Indonesia

The Deputy Director General of Air Transportation, Lukman F. Laisa, conducted a monitoring operation for the control of transportation during the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) period of 2024/2025. This initiative aimed to ensure the smoothness, safety, and security of transportation in Eastern Indonesia, particularly in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on December 25-26, 2024. 

According to data from the Nataru command post, the number of air passengers at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport has been steadily increasing from December 18 to December 25, 2024. 

"To date, the number of domestic passengers has reached 250,470, indicating a 3.4% increase compared to last year. Similarly, international passenger numbers have risen significantly by 64.5%, totaling 7,156 passengers," Lukman stated in a written statement, as reported on Thursday, December 26, 2024. 

He further noted that the highest passenger volume occurred four days before Christmas 2024. "The peak flow of arrivals and departures at this airport was recorded on December 22, 2024, with 35,735 passengers in a single day. The top five destinations from Makassar are Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Palu, and Kendari," he explained. 

To accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger numbers during this Nataru period, PT. Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the airport management company, has expanded the terminal area to ensure optimal air transportation services. 

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, which previously covered an area of 52,000 m², has been expanded to nearly double its size. Future plans aim to increase the area to 166,000 m², allowing the airport's capacity to grow from approximately 6 million passengers per year to 15 million passengers annually. 

Regarding weather changes, Lukman reassured passengers that there is no need for concern, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority in aviation. 

Tag: Eastern Indonesia International Flights Nataru 2025