Syamsudin Noor International Airport

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) is the main aerial gateway to the city of Banjarmasin and the entire South Kalimantan province in Indonesia. Located approximately 25 km from the city centre, this airport serves as the starting point for exploring the exotic nature and unique culture of Borneo (Kalimantan). Named after the Indonesian Air Force hero Syamsudin Noor, the airport has undergone extensive modernization and today welcomes guests in a modern and comfortable terminal. It serves both popular domestic routes and international flights.

Syamsudin Noor Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable journey. Thanks to recent renovations, the terminal has become more spacious and functional. From here, it is easy to reach the country's major cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang. Additionally, the airport plays a vital social role by providing air connectivity to remote areas of Kalimantan. For those heading into the city, DAMRI buses are available, operating between the airport and the centre of Banjarmasin.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ). You can use these details to get in touch with airport representatives.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website: bdj.ap1.co.id.
• Information Desk Phone: For inquiries, you can call the Angkasa Pura I unified contact centre number: 172.
• Airport Address: Jalan Akses Bandara Baru, Guntung Payung, Kecamatan Landasan Ulin, Kota Banjar Baru, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the contact centre email address: cc172@ap1.co.id.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official Instagram page: @syamsudinnoorairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items, you should first contact your airline's representative office. Assistance is also available at the information desk in the terminal.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the information desk or the contact centre via phone.

There are several ways to get to Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ), located approximately 25-30 kilometres from the city centre. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The trip usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes, but travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions.

The most economical option is public transport. As in many other airports in Indonesia, special shuttle buses (often operated by DAMRI) run here, connecting the airport with key points in the city. This is a reliable and very affordable method, ideal for budget-conscious travellers. However, it is worth noting that a bus trip may take longer due to stops along the way.

Taxis and online ride-hailing services, such as Grab or Gojek, are the most popular and balanced choice. In the arrivals area, you will find counters for official taxi services offering rides at fixed rates or by meter. Using mobile apps often proves slightly more cost-effective and convenient, as you can see the trip cost immediately. This method ensures a comfortable door-to-door journey and is optimal for most tourists arriving in Banjarmasin.

If you value complete freedom of movement and plan to actively explore the region, consider renting a car. Several car rental companies have representatives both at the airport and in the city. This option is suitable for experienced drivers ready for local traffic conditions. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicles, the airport grounds feature paid parking with zones for both short-term and long-term stays.

Many hotels also offer their guests an organized transfer service. This is perhaps the most convenient and hassle-free way to get to your accommodation. A driver will meet you with a sign right in the arrivals hall. Although this option is usually more expensive than a taxi, it eliminates any hassle upon arrival. It is recommended to book the transfer in advance, directly through your hotel.

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) in Banjarmasin features one modern passenger terminal, which was opened in late 2019. This new complex replaced the old building and now serves both domestic and international flights, significantly simplifying navigation for travellers.

The terminal structure is logical and intuitive. It has several levels, but two main ones are key for passengers:

• Upper Level is designated for the Departure zone (Keberangkatan). Here, check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and security checkpoints are located.
• Lower Level is the Arrival zone (Kedatangan). Passengers arrive here after disembarking the aircraft; baggage claim belts and customs control are located here.

The departure zone, after passing security control, features a spacious waiting lounge with boarding gates. Here you will find shops, cafes, and comfortable seating for rest. The arrival zone on the ground floor leads to the general hall, where you can meet arriving passengers, find taxi counters, car rental services, or arrange other transport to the city.

Check-in and security procedures at Syamsudin Noor Airport usually proceed quite quickly thanks to modern equipment. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. If you are flying internationally, it is better to allow about 3 hours. During peak hours, such as holiday periods, waiting times may increase.

For easy navigation through the terminal, pay attention to the numerous signs in Indonesian and English. Thanks to the building's compactness and thoughtful layout, it is virtually impossible to get lost here. Simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs depending on your destination.

The history of Syamsudin Noor Airport began in 1944, during the Japanese occupation, when it was built as a military airfield and originally named Ulin. Located near the city of Banjarmasin, it played an important strategic role. After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield gradually came under the administration of civil authorities and began to develop as the main transport hub of the South Kalimantan province.

A key moment in history was the renaming of the airport in 1975 to Syamsudin Noor, in honour of an aviation lieutenant and national hero who hailed from this region and died in the line of duty. This step immortalized the hero's memory and highlighted the growing importance of the airport for the country's civil aviation. It has borne his name ever since.

With increasing passenger traffic, the airport underwent several stages of modernization. The most significant and large-scale reconstruction was completed in December 2019, marked by the opening of the new terminal. As a result of this modernization, the airport's area increased more than fivefold — from 9,000 to 77,000 square metres, and its capacity grew to 7 million passengers per year. It was after this expansion that the airport received international status.

Interesting fact: the original name of the airport, Ulin, comes from the name of the local "ironwood" tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri), which is famous for its incredible strength and durability. This symbolically links the airport's history with the natural power and resilience of the island of Kalimantan. Today, Syamsudin Noor is a modern and comfortable complex that continues to play an important role in the region's development.

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or enjoy local Indonesian cuisine. Also at your service are shops with souvenirs, travel essentials, and products from local artisans.

For those who wish to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices are located throughout the airport. If you prefer to wait for your flight in a calmer and more private setting, take advantage of the premium lounges or VIP lounges. Guests here are usually offered snacks, beverages, fresh newspapers, and more comfortable seating.

To handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are provided at the airport, which is very convenient for both arriving and departing tourists. In case medical assistance is required, a medical centre operates in the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

Syamsudin Noor Airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For families with small children, there are nursery rooms where you can feed and change your baby in peace. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, elevators, and specially equipped toilets are provided, and assistance services can also be requested.

Although there is no hotel located directly within the terminal building, several hotels are situated in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers or those with early flights. Basic business services or work zones may be available for business travellers, however, for hosting large meetings or conferences, it is better to check the availability and capabilities of conference rooms in advance.

At Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ), passengers will find diverse dining options, allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a full meal while waiting for a flight. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the main terminal and are accessible both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, the airport has establishments offering traditional Indonesian dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to try, for example, Soto Banjar — an aromatic soup that is the region's signature dish, or other popular meals such as nasi goreng (fried rice). Besides local restaurants, there are coffee shops and food courts with more familiar international food, where you can order sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.

Establishments in the public zone (before security) are convenient for those seeing passengers off and those arriving at the airport early. In the secure zone (after security), the selection is also quite wide, allowing you to spend time comfortably while waiting for boarding. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an average level for airports. Most food outlets operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the last planes depart.

Regarding dietary preferences, Halal food is the standard for the majority of establishments, as is common in Indonesia. Finding vegetarian dishes based on rice and vegetables will also not be difficult. Passengers with stricter restrictions, such as vegans or those looking for gluten-free options, are advised to check the ingredients of dishes directly with the cafe or restaurant staff.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Banjarmasin is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, take advantage of our tips. Plan your arrival at the airport in advance: generally, 2 hours is sufficient for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international ones. This will give you a buffer of time in case of queues and allow you to calmly go through all pre-flight procedures.

To save time, check in for your flight online from your home or hotel. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to proceed straight to security. Speaking of hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Large electronics, such as laptops and tablets, will need to be removed from your bag at security screening, so keep them handy.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. A window seat will offer you magnificent views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight. This is important for correctly calculating the time needed for the connection.

For international travellers, it is important to remember customs control. Familiarize yourself with the rules for importing and exporting goods and currency to Indonesia to avoid misunderstandings. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for the latest information. The carrier is obliged to provide you with data on the new departure time and, depending on the length of the delay, provide drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Stay calm and use this time to rest or browse the airport shops.