Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport

Airport Features and Amenities

Although the airport in Bima cannot boast the scale of capital city hubs, it offers travellers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to their journey. The terminal is notable for its compactness and simple navigation, allowing guests to complete all formalities as quickly as possible, without unnecessary fuss or queues.

One of the main highlights of the airport is its location — it serves as the starting point for surfers heading to the legendary Lakey Peak beach, located in the neighbouring Dompu regency. For the convenience of passengers, the terminal features small shops with souvenirs and snacks, as well as waiting areas. Transport connections to the city centre and surrounding resorts are provided by local taxis, which await arrivals directly at the exit of the arrival zone.

To obtain current information and contact representatives of Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU), please use the following contact details:

• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, please call: +62 374 43372.
• Airport Address: Jalan Protokol, Belo, Palibelo, Kabupaten Bima, Nusa Tenggara Barat 84173, Indonesia.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: bandara.bima@gmail.com.
• Social Media: Follow news and airport updates on its official Instagram page: @upbubima.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: If your luggage was lost during the flight, please contact your airline's representative first. For general questions and regarding items left in the Bima airport terminal, please contact the general information desk.

Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU) is located approximately 15-20 kilometres south of the Bima city centre, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can get from the city to the airport in several ways, each with its own cost and comfort considerations.

Taxis and Online Services. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. A trip from the centre of Bima will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use local taxi services or book a car via apps popular in Indonesia, such as Gojek or Grab. It is recommended to agree on the price in advance or ensure the driver uses a meter to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for large groups or families with bulky luggage.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is local minibuses, known as "bemo". They ply the main roads but do not always have a strict schedule and can be crowded. This is a good choice for experienced travellers without a lot of luggage. Another popular mode of transport is the motorcycle taxi "ojek". This is a fast way to move around, but it is suitable only for a single passenger with a small backpack. The cost of a trip on a bemo or ojek is significantly lower than a taxi, but the price should be negotiated with the driver beforehand.

Car or Scooter Rental. If you plan to actively explore Sumbawa Island, renting your own transport can be an excellent solution. In Bima, there are several rental points offering both cars and scooters. By renting transport, you gain complete freedom of movement and can drive to the airport at any time convenient for you. It is recommended to book transport online in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in a private or rented vehicle, parking is provided on the terminal grounds. Here, you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods. This is a safe and convenient option if you plan to return to Bima after a few days.

Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU) is a small and cosy regional airport serving the city of Bima and its surroundings. It consists of one passenger terminal, making navigation extremely simple and convenient for travellers. This terminal is designed to handle both departing and arriving passengers on domestic flights.

The terminal building has a compact and intuitive layout. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter a small departure lounge. The arrival area with a baggage claim belt is located in the same part of the building but has a separate exit. Since there is only one terminal, moving between zones takes mere minutes, and there is no need for special transfers.

One of the main advantages of the airport in Bima is the quick processing of all formalities. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, flight check-in and security screening are rarely accompanied by long queues. Typically, all procedures take no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all stages without rushing and to rest before your flight.

Navigating Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport requires no special effort. There are signs in Indonesian and English everywhere, and due to the terminal's compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here. If you have any questions, airport staff are always ready to assist. The simplicity and efficiency of this airport allow you to start or end your journey across Sumbawa Island with comfort and without unnecessary stress.

The history of Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU), serving the city of Bima on Sumbawa Island, is closely linked to key moments in the history of Indonesia. Its roots go back to World War II, when it was built as a military airfield by Japanese forces. In those years, it was known as Palibelo and served as a strategic facility.

After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield gradually transitioned to civil use, becoming an important transport artery for the eastern part of Sumbawa Island. A landmark event in its history was its renaming in honour of Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin, the last ruler of the Bima Sultanate. This step highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the airport for the local population and became a symbol of its new, peaceful role.

Over the decades, the airport has been modernised repeatedly to meet growing passenger traffic and aviation safety requirements. A key stage of development was the extension of the runway, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737. In 2014, a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was opened, which significantly increased comfort for travellers.

Although Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport has not set world records, its main achievement is stable development and a key role in ensuring the region's accessibility. Today, it is not just a transport hub, but a gateway for tourists seeking to see Mount Tambora and other unique attractions of the island, as well as an important element supporting the economy and social ties of the region.

Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU) is a small regional airport serving the city of Bima and the eastern part of Sumbawa Island. Despite its compact dimensions, it provides passengers with all the basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops. In the terminal, you will find several small cafés and eateries where you can have coffee, refreshing drinks, and snacks featuring local cuisine. There are also small shops offering daily necessities, snacks, and basic souvenirs. The assortment here is not as wide as in major hubs, but quite sufficient to pass the time before departure.

Waiting Lounges, Wi-Fi, and Charging. A general waiting hall with a sufficient number of seats is equipped for passengers. There are typically no specialised VIP lounges here. Free Wi-Fi may be available in the airport building, however, its speed and stability can vary. For reliable connectivity, it is better to have a local SIM card. Power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting areas.

Financial and Medical Services. The airport has ATMs where you can withdraw cash in Indonesian Rupiah. Currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in larger cities. A medical post operates in the terminal to provide first aid.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport provides basic assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. To guarantee accompaniment and necessary equipment (e.g., a wheelchair), it is crucial to notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Mother and child rooms may be available for passengers with small children.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels on the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Bima, which can be reached by taxi in 20–30 minutes. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport, which is typical for small air harbours in Indonesia.

When planning a flight from Bima, it is important to remember that Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport (BMU) is a small domestic airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Nevertheless, travellers can find several options to have a snack before departure.

Most food outlets are located in the general public area (landside). Here you will find several small Indonesian-style cafés and eateries, known as warungs. They offer simple but hearty dishes, perfect for getting acquainted with the local cuisine of Indonesia. We recommend trying the classics: Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Mie Goreng (fried noodles). Often the menu also includes Bakso (meatball soup) — a popular and quick option for lunch.

Regarding special dietary needs:

• Halal: Since Bima is located in a predominantly Muslim region, almost all food at the airport is Halal by default.
• Vegetarianism: There are no specialised vegetarian cafés here, but you can always ask for Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng to be prepared without meat (say "tanpa daging").
• Gluten-free and Vegan Options: Finding guaranteed gluten-free or vegan dishes will be extremely difficult. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Prices in the airport cafés are quite affordable, although slightly higher than in the city. Establishments usually open a couple of hours before the first flight and close after the departure of the last one. If you only need a quick snack, you can buy bottled drinks, coffee, and local sweets or pastries. For a more substantial meal, it is better to eat at one of the warungs in the general hall. Keep in mind that after passing security control (airside), the choice will most likely be limited to a small kiosk with drinks and snacks.

When planning a trip through Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport in the city of Bima, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Even though this is a small regional airport, it is better to arrive in advance — at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, head directly to security screening. The security control procedure here is standard, but small queues are possible during peak hours.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy views of the islands of Indonesia during takeoff and landing, which is especially beautiful in this region. If freedom of movement is more important to you, choose an aisle seat — this way you can easily stand up without disturbing your neighbours.

Pay close attention to hand luggage regulations. Standard restrictions include a ban on carrying liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml (all must be packed in a single transparent bag), as well as sharp objects and flammable substances. Be sure to check the weight and dimension limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Bima Airport is not a major transit hub, so most connections will likely be in larger cities such as Denpasar or Jakarta. Ensure you have enough time between flights.

When entering Indonesia via an international flight (even if the final destination is Bima), you will have to undergo customs control. It is necessary to declare cash amounts exceeding 100 million Indonesian Rupiah (or equivalent). There are restrictions on the duty-free import of alcohol and tobacco products. Keep all receipts for valuable purchases to avoid unnecessary questions.

A few tips for saving money: book flight tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during the high season. Travel with light luggage to avoid paying for excess weight. Take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, and light snacks so as not to spend money at inflated prices while waiting for your flight.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights to compensation (meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay). Keep your travel insurance contacts at hand. Always keep essentials — documents, money, chargers, and medicines — in your hand luggage.