JAKARTA – PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, operating under the name InJourney Airports, has laid out operational strategies revolving around regionalization in response to the government’s decision to decrease the number of international airports in Indonesia. Faik Fahmi, the CEO of InJourney Airports, stated that they would implement a regionalization concept across the 37 airports under their management. With this regionalization approach, certain airports will be designated as primary hubs while others will function as spokes.
Faik elaborated that the transition of airports from international to regional status does not imply restricted access for international passengers or tourists. He emphasized that the hub-and-spoke model could foster robust connectivity from hub airports to various regions across Indonesia. “Such a model is a best practice in the global aviation industry and has proven to be more effective in many countries,” Faik explained in a press release on Monday (April 29, 2024).
Drawing a comparison, Faik highlighted the case of the United States, which has around 2,000 airports, of which only 18 serve as international points of entry for flights. Passenger access to and from the US is facilitated through these 18 airports, which are seamlessly connected to other non-international airports.
Previously, InJourney Airports managed 37 airports, with 31 designated as international and 6 as domestic. Following the issuance of Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 31/2024 regarding the Designation of International Airports and No. 33/2024 concerning the National Airport Arrangement, the number of international airports managed by InJourney Airports has reduced to 16, while the remaining 15 have shifted to domestic status.
InJourney Airports welcomes the government’s initiative to streamline the number of international airports nationwide. Faik stated that this policy aligns with InJourney Airports’ transformation program aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s airport infrastructure to establish more efficient and effective air connectivity. This, in turn, aims to drive tourism and economic growth through better aviation ecosystem management, including airport operations. Faik noted the prevalence of international airports with limited or sporadic international flights, resulting in underutilized facilities such as x-ray machines, terminal waiting areas, and more. “Through the implementation of the Ministry of Transportation’s regulations, we are optimistic that the national airport arrangement will improve, positively impacting air connectivity and tourism in Indonesia,” Faik concluded.
