Pattimura Airport

Pattimura Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the legendary "Spice Islands" and the amazing Maluku region. Located at the foot of green hills with picturesque views of the bay, it immerses travellers in an atmosphere of tropical serenity and island hospitality from the very first moment. Named after an Indonesian national hero, the air harbour welcomes guests with renovated terminals where modern comfort harmoniously combines with local flair.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Pattimura Airport underwent a major reconstruction completed in 2021, which significantly improved the level of passenger comfort. The terminal has become more spacious and brighter, and its capacity has increased. One of the main highlights is its location: the road from the airport to the city centre now passes via the famous Merah Putih (Red and White) Bridge, offering stunning panoramic views of Ambon Bay.

Inside the terminal, a calm atmosphere prevails. Travellers can find ATMs, cosy cafes serving local snacks, and souvenir shops here. Particular attention should be paid to shops selling regional products: this is exactly where you can buy the famous Ambon eucalyptus oil (Minyak Kayu Putih) or sago snacks before your flight. The airport also supports Ambon's status as a UNESCO "City of Music", so pleasant melodies can often be heard in the waiting halls, creating a relaxed mood before your journey.

Below you will find contact information for Pattimura International Airport (AMQ), which serves the city of Ambon. We recommend verifying the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and other useful information on the official website of the airport operator, Angkasa Pura I. Website address: amq.ap1.co.id
• Information Service Phone: For general information, you can call the number: +62 911 361473. The Angkasa Pura I unified contact centre is also available: 172.
• Airport Address: Jl. Dr. Leimena, Laha, Tlk. Ambon, Kota Ambon, Maluku, Indonesia.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the contact centre email: cc172@ap1.co.id.
• Social Media: The airport maintains an official Instagram page where updates and news are published: @pattimura_airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Airport staff at the information desk can also advise you on where to turn.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, you can use the main airport information service phone or the unified contact centre.

Pattimura Airport (AMQ) is located at a significant distance from the city centre of Ambon — about 38 kilometres. The trip, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions, can take from 45 minutes to one and a half hours. Fortunately, there are several convenient ways for travellers to get from the airport to the city or back.

Public Transport: Damri Buses
The most budget-friendly way to get to the centre of Ambon is to use the services of the Damri bus company. Buses usually run according to a schedule coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. The fare is low, making this option attractive for economical tourists. The stop is located near the exit of the arrival terminal. Please note that due to numerous stops, the trip may take about 1.5 hours, so allow extra time if you are travelling to the airport for a departure.

Taxis and Online Services
The most comfortable and fastest option is a taxi or ordering a car via mobile apps (such as Grab), which are widely used in Indonesia. A taxi ride to the city centre will take approximately 45-60 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but you gain speed and convenience, especially if travelling with large luggage. It is recommended to use official airport taxi services with a counter in the arrival hall or order a car via an app with a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking
For those planning to actively explore the island, renting a car is an excellent solution. Counters of several rental companies are located right at the airport. This gives complete freedom of movement, but do not forget that traffic in Indonesia is on the left-hand side. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is provided.

Recommendations
The choice of transport depends on your budget and priorities. For maximum savings, choose the Damri bus. If you value comfort and time, your choice is a taxi or online service. Car rental is suitable for independent travellers wishing to explore not only the city but also its surroundings. Shared taxis are also popular, offering a compromise in price and comfort between a bus and a private transfer.

Pattimura Airport (AMQ) in Ambon is a compact and functional aviation hub that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveller. The airport consists of one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transfers between buildings — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one location.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive. The ground floor houses check-in counters, the arrival zone with baggage claim belts, and the main hall with cafes and souvenir shops. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security checkpoint and boarding gates are located. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, and navigation is simplified thanks to signs in Indonesian and English. The compact size of the terminal allows for quick movement between key points.

Completing all formalities at Pattimura Airport usually takes less time than in major international hubs. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. This time is usually sufficient for a calm check-in, passport control, and security screening. The main navigation tip is to follow the signs. Since the terminal is small, it is practically impossible to get lost here, making it very convenient for tourists arriving in the Moluccas for the first time.

The history of Pattimura Airport (AMQ) is closely intertwined with key events in Indonesian history. Its story began during the Second World War when Japanese forces built the Laha military airfield on this site in 1942. Due to its strategic position, the airfield played an important role in military operations in the Pacific region. After the end of the war and the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, the facility was transferred to civil authorities and began its transformation into a key regional transport hub.

The airport received its modern name in honour of Pattimura (Thomas Matulessy), an Indonesian national hero who led a rebellion against Dutch colonisers in the Moluccas in the early 19th century. This renaming symbolised a new era in the life of the airport and its significance for the independent country. In subsequent decades, the airport gradually developed, serving a growing passenger flow and becoming the main air gateway to the Maluku province, also known as the "Spice Islands".

A significant stage of modernisation occurred in the 2010s. A large-scale reconstruction was carried out, during which a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal was built and opened in 2014. This allowed not only for an increase in capacity but also for an improvement in the quality of passenger service. The runway was upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which contributed to the expansion of the route network.

One of the key achievements in the airport's recent history was obtaining international status. This allowed for the launch of direct flights for pilgrims performing Hajj, as well as opening up potential for attracting foreign tourists directly to Ambon. Today, Pattimura Airport is not just a transport facility, but a vital artery connecting the historic "Spice Islands" with the rest of Indonesia and the world, supporting the economy and tourism in this unique corner of the planet.

Pattimura Airport (AMQ) in Ambon offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can taste local Indonesian cuisine or have a cup of coffee. For those looking for souvenirs, there are shops offering handicrafts, local delicacies, and travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport has premium waiting lounges (VIP lounges), where passengers have access to snacks, beverages, fresh press, and a quieter atmosphere. Access to free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. If you need to charge your devices, use the specially equipped charging stations located in various parts of the waiting hall.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs of local banks are installed here, and currency exchange points operate, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of need, there is a medical post in the terminal where first aid can be provided.

The airport is equipped for passengers with special needs: ramps, special toilets, and the option to request assistance services are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child room, where they can take care of their baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, hotels of various comfort levels offering transfers are located within a few minutes' drive. For business travellers, basic business services, such as work zones and internet access, are usually provided in the premium waiting lounges.

Pattimura Airport (AMQ) offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal before departure. The majority of cafes and restaurants are located in the public area before security control (landside), so it is better to plan your meal in advance. In the departure zone (airside), the choice is more limited and usually amounts to small coffee shops and snack points.

For those looking for a full meal, restaurants serving Indonesian cuisine operate in the public hall. Here you can find both rumah makan (home-style cooking) establishments and popular Indonesian chain cafes. For a quick snack and a cup of coffee, coffee shops and bakeries are perfect; fragrant buns and drinks from these can often be found at a small kiosk in the departure zone as well.

Being in the Moluccas, it is worth taking the opportunity to try local culinary delights. In the airport restaurants, look out for fresh fish dishes, for example, ikan bakar (grilled fish), which is often served with the spicy local sauce sambal colo-colo. This is a great way to experience the authentic cuisine of the region right before flying out.

Most dishes at the airport are Halal. Vegetarians can usually find suitable options, such as nasi goreng sayur (fried rice with vegetables). It may be more difficult with vegan and gluten-free options, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or choose the simplest items. Prices in establishments are moderate, and opening hours are oriented towards the flight schedule — cafes open with the first flights and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Pattimura Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, stress, and money, making the start or end of your adventure in Ambon pleasant and organised.

Arrival time at the airport: Although Pattimura is not the largest airport, it is better to be safe. We recommend arriving 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities, even if small queues arise.

Check-in and security control: Procedures at Ambon Airport are standard. To speed up the process, prepare all necessary documents in advance: passport, visa (if required), and ticket. Use the online check-in option if your airline provides it — this will significantly save your time. When passing through security, be ready to remove electronics and containers with liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat selection on the plane: If you are flying to the Moluccas or departing from them, a window seat will give you unforgettable views of the archipelago and turquoise waters. Choose the right side when departing from Ambon and the left side when arriving for the best panoramas. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand luggage: Remember the general rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Please note that some local airlines may prohibit carrying durian in hand luggage due to its strong smell. Always check baggage allowance rules on your airline's website.

Passengers with transfers: If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. In small airports like Pattimura, automatic luggage transfer is not always provided. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if they are operated by different airlines.

Customs control: When entering Indonesia via Ambon, you will need to fill out a customs declaration. Honestly declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid fines. These include amounts exceeding a certain limit, as well as certain types of food products and alcoholic beverages exceeding the established allowance.

Savings and life hacks: Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control. You can also bring light snacks. It is better to order a taxi from the airport at the official counter or via trusted apps to avoid inflated prices.

Flight delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status, rebooking options, and the provision of vouchers for food or accommodation. If you have travel insurance, contact the insurance company to inquire about possible compensation.