Minister Of Transportation: IKN Airport Will Serve Hajj And Umrah Flights

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Budi Karya Sumadi said State Capital Airport (IKN), in East Kalimantan will be operated for the benefit of IKN. However, it will later be opened to the public.

"This airport is specifically for the interests of IKN. But in the concept that we have consulted with the President, the President has directed that this will be used as a public airport," he said at the DPR Building, Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Friday, September 20.

Budi said that later IKN Airport would collaborate with Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan. Where later IKN will accommodate international flights, while Sepinggan Balikpapan Airport for domestic flights.

"So it could be Umrah and Hajj there (IKN Airport), if domestic ones can be in Balikpapan," he said.

Furthermore, Budi said that the plan was based on the high need for international connectivity in East Kalimantan Province for both business and religion.

The need for interconnection is very large. Both for business activities. As well as religious activities. This airport, the runway length is 3,000 meters. This means that the largest plane, whose name (Boeing Plane) is triple 777, can land there," he explained.

"So that the people of Balikpapan, and the surroundings of East Kalimantan, can get the same good facilities," he continued.