Fatmawati Soekarno Airport

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS), which serves the city of Bengkulu and its surroundings in Indonesia.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate website. Information can be found on the resources of the airport operator Angkasa Pura II (angkasapura2.co.id).
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at +62 736 51015 or call the unified Angkasa Pura II contact centre at 138.
• Airport Address: Jl. Raya Padang Kemiling, Pekan Sabtu, Kecamatan Selebar, Kota Bengkulu, Bengkulu 38213, Indonesia.
• Email: For general inquiries, it is recommended to use the operator's central email: contact.center@angkasapura2.co.id.
• Social Media: Official pages may be inactive, but news sometimes appears on the Angkasa Pura II operator accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, please contact your airline representative directly at the airport first. For items left in the terminal, contact the Lost & Found service via the information desk phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, use the phone numbers listed above. Staff at the information counters in the terminal are also always ready to help.

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) is located approximately 14 kilometres southeast of the city centre of Bengkulu, making the journey there quite quick and simple. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient ways to get to the terminal.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps. This is the most popular and comfortable way to get to the airport. You can use official airport taxi services or book a car through apps popular in Indonesia, such as Gojek or Grab. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost will vary, but it is a relatively inexpensive option, especially if you are travelling in a group.

Public Transport. For budget travellers, the DAMRI shuttle bus is an excellent choice. These buses run on a fixed route between the airport and key points in the city. Although the bus ride will take longer due to stops, it is the most economical way. Check the schedule and route in advance, as they may change.

Car Rental. If you plan to move actively around the region and not depend on public transport, renting a car is the ideal solution. Both local and international rental agencies operate in Bengkulu city. Many companies offer car rental with a driver, which can be especially convenient for those not used to left-hand traffic and local traffic nuances.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided on the grounds of Fatmawati Soekarno Airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are here to see off or pick up passengers, or if you are flying out of Bengkulu for a few days.

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) is a compact and functional aviation hub serving the city of Bengkulu and the province of the same name in Indonesia. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making it convenient even for first-time visitors.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves all domestic flights. Thanks to this, there is no need for complex transfers — all zones are located within a single building. The terminal layout is very simple: it is divided into a departure zone and an arrival zone. Navigation is made easy by clear signs in Indonesian and English. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general hall where the check-in counters of various airlines are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to the general waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building. After disembarking the aircraft, passengers proceed to the baggage claim belts and then to the public hall, where they are met or can order a taxi.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security screening typically take between 30 to 60 minutes. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially during peak hours or holidays. This will allow you to go through all procedures without rushing and wait comfortably for your flight. Overall, Fatmawati Soekarno Airport leaves a pleasant impression with its simplicity and efficiency.

The history of Fatmawati Soekarno Airport begins during World War II when it was built as a military airfield. It was originally named Padang Kemiling and served as a strategic facility. After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield was converted for civil needs, officially receiving the status of a domestic airport in 1974.

A key moment in the airport's history was November 14, 2001. On this day, by decree of the Minister of Transportation, it was renamed Fatmawati Soekarno. This was done in honour of the First Lady of Indonesia and wife of the first president Soekarno, who was born in the city of Bengkulu. This renaming highlighted the deep connection of the region with the history of the nation's formation.

Over the years, the airport has gone through several stages of modernisation to meet growing passenger traffic and airline requirements. In 1986, management was transferred to the state-owned company Angkasa Pura II, which began the systematic development of infrastructure. Work was carried out to extend the runway, allowing for larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737. In addition, a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal was built, significantly increasing comfort for travellers.

Today, Fatmawati Soekarno Airport serves as the main air gateway to Bengkulu province, playing an important role in its economic and tourism development. Plans for further expansion, including a possible runway extension to accommodate international flights, testify to its growing importance in Sumatra's transport system.

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) in Bengkulu provides passengers with a set of essential services to make their stay comfortable and convenient. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is ready to satisfy the basic needs of travellers.

Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or small restaurants offering local Indonesian cuisine, as well as drink a cup of famous Sumatran coffee. There are shops in the terminal where you can buy snacks, drinks, newspapers, and souvenirs to remember your trip to Indonesia.

For passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, VIP lounges are available. Here you can relax, use free Wi-Fi, and charge your gadgets. Throughout the terminal, there is also access to wireless internet and special zones with sockets for charging devices.

ATMs of major national banks are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals. For urgent health issues, there is a medical point where first aid will be provided. Families with small children can use the nursery room. Passengers with disabilities are provided with necessary assistance, including wheelchairs, upon prior request to the airline.

Although there is no on-site hotel or large business centres within the airport building, many hotels are located a few minutes away by taxi. This is a convenient option for those travelling in transit or having an early morning departure.

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) offers passengers a basic but authentic selection of places to have a snack before departure. Since it is a small regional airport, most cafes and restaurants are located in the main, public area (landside), before passing security control. The selection in the sterile area (airside) is usually more limited.

The main focus of the menu is on Indonesian cuisine, particularly dishes from the island of Sumatra. This is a great opportunity to try local specialities. Look out for establishments offering `Nasi Padang` or `Nasi Campur` — set meals with rice and various side dishes (meat, fish, vegetables). For a quick and hearty snack, local pastries or snacks are perfect. Do not miss the chance to drink a cup of the famous local coffee — Bengkulu coffee.

For a full lunch, the small restaurants in the main terminal hall are best suited. Here you can leisurely enjoy hot dishes. If you are short on time, there are several kiosks and small cafes at your service where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and packaged snacks. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule and usually cover morning and afternoon departures.

Regarding special dietary needs, virtually all food here is Halal. Vegetarians should look for dishes based on rice and vegetables (`sayur`), tofu (`tahu`), or tempeh (`tempe`). However, it is worth checking the ingredients, as shrimp paste is often added to sauces. Specialised vegan or gluten-free options will be difficult to find. The price range at the airport is quite affordable, especially compared to major international hubs.

To ensure your journey through Fatmawati Soekarno Airport in the city of Bengkulu goes smoothly, use these useful tips. The airport primarily serves domestic flights within Indonesia, so procedures here usually go faster than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counter if you are travelling with hand luggage only. When passing security control, keep your passport (or ID) and boarding pass ready. The procedures are standard, but be prepared to take electronics and liquids out of your bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat (A or F) will give you picturesque views of the Sumatra coastline during takeoff or landing. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are important to you, choose an aisle seat (C or D).

Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. All sharp objects, such as scissors or knives, must be checked in as luggage. Electronic devices, especially those with lithium batteries (e.g., power banks), should be carried only in hand luggage.

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a transfer planned, you will likely need to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight. Clarify this point when buying tickets and allow enough time between flights.

Since most flights from Bengkulu are domestic, there is no customs control for such passengers. It is conducted only for those arriving from abroad, which is a rarity for this airport. The main thing is not to carry items prohibited for entry into the country.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, as well as light snacks. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will also save you money on baggage fees and time upon arrival.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative at the airport first. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.