International travel from East Kalimantan is about to get much simpler. A new chapter is opening for Samarinda, as APT Pranoto Airport moves closer to welcoming its first international flights. The airport is now in the final stretch of preparation, signaling a major shift in regional air connectivity.
The plan is clear. International services are scheduled to begin in February 2026. This move responds to strong demand from East Kalimantan residents who need more direct access to overseas destinations. According to Head of the Technical and Operations Section at APT Pranoto Airport, Murdoko, the pace of preparation has intensified across all fronts, both technical and managerial.
“APT Pranoto Airport is ready to operate direct international flights. We continue to take strategic steps, ranging from strengthening cross-agency coordination to completing supporting facilities and infrastructure on the ground,” he said in Samarinda on Friday.
A key focus has been the terminal layout. Airport management is prioritizing the creation of dedicated spaces to clearly separate international departures from arrivals. This separation is considered essential to meet international operational requirements.
Significant adjustments are also underway in core operational areas. Immigration counters, customs facilities, and passenger movement routes have been redesigned to align with international safety and comfort standards. “The partitioning of waiting areas and the completion of administrative documents are finished. We have also adjusted facility layouts to meet international operational standards. We hope the public will not be surprised by changes to passenger flow inside the terminal later on,” Murdoko explained.
On the airline side, Lion Air has been confirmed as the first carrier to serve an international route from Samarinda. The airline will operate flights between Samarinda APT Pranoto Airport (AAP) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), marking the airport’s debut on the international stage.
During the initial phase, flights will operate once a week. This limited frequency is intended to assess market response. If passenger demand shows consistent growth, the number of weekly flights will be increased gradually.
Read also: Indonesia Limits Mobile Number Ownership to Three Per Operator
Preparation has not been limited to technical compliance alone. Airport operators are also enhancing passenger comfort. To reduce frustration caused by potential delays, the waiting area has been equipped with game box facilities and free workspace access.
The introduction of international flights is expected to elevate Samarinda’s role within Indonesia’s aviation network. The city is seen as a strategic air transport node, especially as a supporting region for the Nusantara Capital City, or IKN.
With nearly all preparations completed, the launch of this international route is expected to bring broader impact. Improved mobility, stronger tourism flows, and new economic opportunities are anticipated across East Kalimantan as the airport enters this new phase.
