Tolotio Airport

Welcome to Tolotio Airport (also known as Djalaluddin) — the main aerial gateway to the Gorontalo province and the starting point for exploring the "Emerald of the Equator" in North Sulawesi. Surrounded by picturesque green hills and rice fields, this modern aviation hub welcomes travellers with a cosy atmosphere and fresh tropical air immediately upon arrival. The renovated terminal, with its glass facades and spacious halls, creates a sense of lightness and comfort, setting the mood for a peaceful holiday away from noisy metropolises. It is from here that the journey begins to famous diving spots, encounters with whale sharks, and the exploration of the region's unique culture.

Airport Features and Highlights

Modern Infrastructure and Comfort. In 2016, a new passenger terminal was opened at the airport, replacing the old building. Today, it is a spacious complex covering approximately 12,000 sq. m, equipped to modern standards: it features aerobridges, a high-quality air conditioning system, and comfortable waiting lounges, making it one of the most comfortable regional airports in the eastern part of Indonesia.

Scenic Location. Take-off and landing at Tolotio is a distinct visual pleasure. The airport is located in a valley amidst mountains, allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of tropical forests and the province's agricultural lands right from the aircraft window.

Fast Service. Thanks to its compact size and efficient logistics, all pre-flight formalities here are completed much faster than in major hubs like Jakarta or Makassar. The journey from the aircraft stairs to exiting the terminal with luggage usually takes just a few minutes, which is especially appreciated by tourists tired after their flight.

Below you will find contact information for Tolotio Airport (GTO), serving the city of Gorontalo.

• Official Website: djalaluddin-airport.co.id. Here you can find flight schedules, news, and general information.
• Information Desk Phone: +62 435 821133. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date number before calling.
• Address: Jl. Bandara, Tolotio, Kec. Isimu, Kabupaten Gorontalo, Gorontalo 96271, Indonesia.
• Email: A direct email address is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for enquiries.
• Social Media: The airport's official social media pages may be inactive. The most reliable information is published on the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact your airline's Lost & Found service. Airline counters are located in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions not related to airline operations, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Tolotio Airport (GTO), also known as Djalaluddin, serves the city of Gorontalo and is located approximately 30-40 kilometres from its centre. To get to the airport or from there to the city, travellers can use several modes of transport. Planning your trip in advance will help save time and avoid unnecessary hassle, especially if you are travelling around Indonesia for the first time.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The main carrier is the bus company DAMRI, which organises routes between the airport and key points in the city. This is a convenient and inexpensive method, but please note that the schedule may be irregular. It is recommended to check departure times on-site or with locals. A bus journey will take longer but will allow for significant savings.

Taxis and Online Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. There are official taxi counters in the terminal where you can book a car at a fixed rate or by meter. A more cost-effective alternative is often transport hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab. They offer rides in cars (GoCar/GrabCar) or motorbike taxis (GoRide/GrabBike) at a pre-determined price. A car ride from the city centre to Tolotio Airport usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is available. Both local and international rental agencies operate at the airport and in the city. Important tip: if you are unfamiliar with local traffic conditions, consider renting a car with a driver. This is not only safer but also allows you to relax and enjoy the views. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for families and large groups with bulky luggage.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available on the premises. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. In general, for most tourists, online taxi services will be the optimal choice in terms of price and comfort, while DAMRI buses are suitable for travellers on a limited budget.

Tolotio Airport (GTO) is a modern and compact aviation hub that serves domestic flights. For the convenience of passengers, there is one passenger terminal, which was opened in 2016 and replaced the old airport building. Thanks to this, all navigation for travellers is extremely simple and intuitive, as all processes — from check-in to baggage claim — are concentrated in one place.

The structure of the terminal is very logical and meets modern standards. The building has two main floors:

• The First Floor (Ground Floor) is intended for arriving passengers. Here you will find the baggage claim area, customs control (if applicable), and exits to taxi counters and other ground transport.
• The Second Floor is the departure zone. Upon ascending here, you will find airline check-in counters, the security screening point, and the main waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are not required. All navigation comes down to moving between floors. Signs in Indonesian and English will help you orient yourself easily.

Passing through check-in and security at the airport in Gorontalo usually does not take much time, as it does not handle such heavy traffic as the major international hubs of Indonesia. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate without rushing. During peak hours, when several flights depart simultaneously, small queues are possible, so allowing extra time is advisable.

The history of the airport in the city of Gorontalo, known today as Djalaluddin Airport but also bearing the name Tolotio, is a journey from a military facility to the modern aerial gateway of the region. Its history began during World War II, when in 1942 Japanese forces built a runway here for military purposes. After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield was transferred to the management of the Indonesian government and began to be used for civil aviation.

Initially, the airport was named Djalaluddin, in honour of an aviation colonel who died while performing his duty. For decades, it served as the main transport hub for the Gorontalo province, gradually developing and modernising. A key stage in its history was a massive reconstruction completed in 2016. As part of this project, a completely new, modern, and spacious terminal was built, capable of handling a significantly larger passenger flow. The old terminal was converted for use by the Indonesian Air Force.

An interesting fact is related to the airport's name. In 2016, coinciding with the opening of the new terminal, the airport was officially renamed Tolotio, in honour of a local ancient belief. However, this decision sparked public debate, and eventually, it was decided to return to the historical name — Djalaluddin. Today, the airport continues to play an important role in the development of tourism and the economy of the region, connecting Gorontalo with other major cities in the country.

Tolotio Airport (GTO) in Gorontalo, being a regional air hub, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can try Indonesian cuisine, drink coffee, or buy light snacks. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, daily necessities, and newspapers.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport may provide premium lounges, access to which is usually granted to business class passengers or holders of certain loyalty cards. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in waiting areas so you can always stay connected.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed in the airport where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points may be absent or have limited operating hours, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance. In case of need, a first aid station operates in the terminal, ready to assist passengers.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs: wheelchairs and special assistance during boarding and disembarking are provided. For travellers with small children, there are nursing rooms (mother and child rooms) where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls at Tolotio Airport. There are also no hotels directly on the airport premises; however, travellers can easily find many accommodation options in the nearby city of Gorontalo, which can be reached by taxi or transfer.

Djalaluddin Airport (Tolotio), serving Gorontalo, is a regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest but sufficient to comfortably wait for your flight. The main cafes and snack bars are located in the main terminal, primarily in the public area before security control.

For travellers who want a quick bite, there are several small cafes and kiosks at the airport. Here you can buy sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and drinks. If you have time for a full lunch, it is worth visiting one of the establishments offering Indonesian cuisine. Look out for classic items such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice with additions) or Mie Goreng (fried noodles). This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the gastronomy of Indonesia. Sometimes local specialities can also be found on the menu.

Most food outlets are located in the landside area, before check-in counters and security screening. After passing security control, in the airside area (departure zone), the choice is usually limited to a small cafe or a vending machine with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you plan to eat a substantial meal, it is better to do so before entering the secure zone. Opening hours of establishments are generally synchronised with the flight schedule.

Prices at Tolotio Airport are considered quite affordable. Regarding special dietary needs, finding specific vegan, gluten-free, or certified halal dishes might be difficult due to the limited selection (though most local food is halal by default). However, vegetarians can almost always order a simple dish of rice with vegetables. It is recommended to have Indonesian Rupiah cash with you, as not all retail outlets may accept bank cards for payment.

To ensure your journey through Tolotio Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, take advantage of these useful tips. A thoughtful approach will help save time, money, and stress, making the start and end of your trip to Gorontalo as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time at the Airport: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Tolotio Airport is not very large, but this time will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security screening without rushing, even during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. In this case, upon arrival at the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the dedicated counter. When passing through security control, prepare electronic devices and liquids in advance to speed up the process.

Seat Selection on the Plane: If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque coast and islands during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage Rules: Standard security rules apply here as well. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. Remember that portable batteries (power banks) must be carried only in hand luggage.

For Connecting Passengers: Tolotio Airport is rarely used as a transit hub for international flights. Most connections take place in major airports of Indonesia, such as Makassar or Jakarta. When purchasing tickets with a layover, clarify whether you need to re-check your luggage at the transit airport.

Customs Control: It is important to know that Tolotio Airport serves only domestic flights. This means passengers do not need to pass through customs or passport control here. You will complete all international formalities at the first airport of entry into the country, from where you will then fly to Gorontalo.

Saving Time and Money: You can get from the airport to the city and back on special DAMRI buses — this is the most budget-friendly method. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it after the security zone to avoid spending money on drinks. Booking flight tickets in advance almost always helps find more favourable fares.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact an airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. It is useful to have a portable charger with you and download films or books to your smartphone to pass the waiting time.