Minister Of Transportation: IKN Airport Ready To Operate Non-Commercially, Wait For Official Operations

Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi (photo: dock. between)

JAKARTA - Minister of Transportation (Menhub) Dudy Purwagandhi announced that the physical construction of the Nusantara Capital Airport (IKN) has been completed. Even now it is ready to function non-commercially.

"IKN Airport as far as I know it has been completed," said the Minister of Transportation when met by the media crew after Halal Bihalal and 2025 Eid Transportation Evaluation activities in Jakarta, Saturday, April 12.

According to Dudy, the airport has been successful through a landing and takeoff test. This means that the technical aspects have met the requirements and now it's just a matter of time to start operating.

"Yesterday, the last time it was tried for the landing test, take-off, landing, right. Just want to work," he explained.

Runway 3,000 Meters, Operation Still Limited

Dudy explained that IKN Airport has a runway of 3,000 meters with a width of 45 meters, enough to serve various types of large aircraft. However, he stressed that its current operation is limited and not yet for commercial aviation purposes.

"That's special. It's special. Last night it was for non-commercial use," said the Minister of Transportation.

Although the airport is ready for use, Dudy admits that the official inauguration or operation schedule has not yet been determined. The current focus is more on ensuring technical and administrative readiness.

"I don't know when the inauguration will take place. Now we just focus on getting it done," he added.

Coordination With OIKN

In the near future, the Minister of Transportation is also scheduled to meet with the Head of the Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN), Basuki Hadimuljono, to discuss plans to operate the airport.

"Indeed, yesterday Mr. Basuki wanted to meet to discuss the matter. I may soon meet Mr. Basuki regarding the operation of IKN Airport," he said.

Target Commercialization Before 2028

Previously, Dudy expressed his hope that IKN Airport could operate commercially before the target of moving the government center in 2028. He conveyed this at a press conference at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, on March 1, 2025.

"I hope that before that (it can be commercial). If you move in 2028, it is hoped that it will be finished before 2028," he said at the time.

Regarding the change in the name of the airport, which is still called IKN VVIP Airport in accordance with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 31 of 2023, Dudy stated that his party had not yet discussed further the possibility of revising regulations.

"Yes, we have to respond to it by looking at the rules, whether it is possible for us to change (names). I haven't (discussed the revision of the Perpres), if I haven't. Later I'll try to check," he concluded.

With the readiness of infrastructure and coordination across institutions that continue, IKN Airport is expected to soon play an important role in supporting mobility in the new capital city and accelerating national connectivity in the future.