Sultan Thaha Airport

Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB) is not merely an air gateway to the city of Jambi on the island of Sumatra, but a place with an intriguing concept and history. Named after Thaha Syaifuddin, the last Sultan of Jambi and a national hero of Indonesia, the airport has evolved from a modest airfield built in the 1940s into a modern transport hub. One of the unique development ideas for the airport was the "Zoo Airport" concept—integration with the Taman Rimba Zoo, located just 900 metres from the new terminal. Today, it is a modern complex playing a key role in the transport system of the Jambi province.

The main asset of Sultan Thaha Airport is its modern terminal, opened following a large-scale reconstruction in 2016. It is designed for passenger comfort and equipped with aerobridges, lifts, escalators, and a spacious commercial area. The terminal's interior reflects local flair: here you can see elements of traditional crafts and even a replica of the famous Muaro Jambi temple complex. The airport serves flights to the country's major cities, including Jakarta, Batam, and Yogyakarta, making it a convenient starting point for travels across Indonesia.

If you need to contact representatives of Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi, please use the following contact details. It is recommended to verify the data on the airport operator's official website, as it may change.

• Official Website: The latest information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's page on the Angkasa Pura II management company website: angkasapura2.co.id.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate enquiries, you can call: +62 741 572 491.
• Airport Address: Jl. Soekarno-Hatta, Eka Jaya, Paal Merah, Kota Jambi, Jambi 36137, Indonesia.
• Email: For written enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official Instagram page: @sultanthahaairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative office located at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions regarding your stay at the airport, please contact the main information desk phone or staff at the information counters within the terminal.

Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB) is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Jambi, making the journey there quick and straightforward. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from several ways to reach the terminal. The trip typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, though travel time may increase during peak hours due to traffic.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps. The most popular and convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi. You can use official taxi counters in the city or book a car via mobile apps popular in Indonesia, such as Gojek or Grab. This is a fast and relatively inexpensive option, especially if you are travelling with luggage. The cost of the trip will depend on the pick-up point and current demand but generally remains affordable.

Public Transport. For budget-conscious travellers, there is a bus service. Special Trans Siginjai buses operate on routes connecting the city to the airport. This is the most budget-friendly method, although it may not be the most convenient if you have a lot of luggage. It is best to check schedules and routes in advance, as they are subject to change.

Car Rental and Private Transport. If you prefer maximum freedom of movement, you can rent a car from one of the city's rental agencies. This allows you not to depend on schedules and drive at your own pace. For those driving to Sultan Thaha Airport in a private or rented vehicle, parking facilities are available on the airport grounds for both short-term and long-term stays. We recommend leaving early to find a parking space without rushing and walk to the departure terminal.

Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB) is a modern and compact air terminal, making navigation through it intuitive and fast. For passenger convenience, all flights—both domestic and international—are handled in one passenger terminal. This eliminates the need to move between different buildings and simplifies the transfer process.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. The building is divided into several main zones:

• Departure Zone (Keberangkatan) is usually located on the upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control, followed by a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone (Kedatangan) is located on the ground floor. After disembarking, passengers enter the baggage claim hall with conveyor belts, pass through customs control (if necessary), and exit into the general arrival hall.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Sultan Thaha Airport generally does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights—2.5–3 hours. Outside of peak hours, check-in and security screening are very quick, often within 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is always better to have extra time, especially if you are travelling with luggage or during holiday periods.

For easy navigation through the airport, simply follow the signs. Upon entering the terminal building, you will immediately see a flight information board that will help you find the correct check-in counter. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, follow the signs to the security screening area and then to your boarding gate. Thanks to the terminal's compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of Sultan Thaha Airport in the city of Jambi is closely linked to the development of the province of the same name on the island of Sumatra. The airport did not always bear the name of the national hero of Indonesia. Initially, during the colonial era, it was known as Paalmerah Airfield. It was created for the needs of Dutch oil companies and the military, and at that time, it was merely a simple runway.

After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield began to gradually transform into a civil facility, providing air transport for the growing region. A key moment in its history was its renaming in honour of Sultan Thaha Syaifuddin, the last Sultan of Jambi and a national hero who fought against the colonisers. This step highlighted the national identity and significance of the airport for the local population.

The most significant stage of modernisation occurred in the 2010s. The old terminal could no longer cope with the increasing passenger flow, leading to the decision to build a new, modern building. The new terminal of Sultan Thaha Airport was officially opened in 2016. Its architecture was designed incorporating local cultural motifs but in a modern execution. Thanks to the reconstruction, the airport's capacity increased several times over, aerobridges were introduced, and the level of passenger comfort improved significantly.

Parallel to the construction of the new terminal, work was carried out to lengthen and strengthen the runway. This allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, which expanded the flight network and contributed to the further economic development of the province. Today, Sultan Thaha Airport is a modern transport hub, serving as an important gateway to the heart of Sumatra and a symbol of the region's successful development.

Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB) in Jambi offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The modern terminal is designed so that your journey through Indonesia begins or ends with maximum convenience.

Inside the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafés offering both local Indonesian dishes and familiar international snacks. This is an excellent place to have a meal before your flight. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, and press. For passengers who value enhanced comfort, premium lounges (VIP lounges) are available, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Departure zones and waiting lounges are equipped with special stations for charging gadgets. For financial matters, there are ATMs and currency exchange points within the terminal.

The airport cares about the well-being of all passengers. A medical point operates on the premises to provide first aid. For travellers with children, there is a mother and child room, and for passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, and staff assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, basic business services may be available, though specialised conference halls are generally not provided within the terminal itself.

Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB), despite its modest size, offers travellers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack or a full meal. Here you will find both cafés serving traditional Indonesian dishes and popular chain outlets to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight.

The majority of cafés and restaurants are located in the public area (landside), before security control. This is convenient for those who arrive at the airport early, as well as for those seeing passengers off. Here you can find, for example, the popular chain restaurant Solaria, offering a wide range of Indonesian and Pan-Asian cuisine—from nasi goreng (fried rice) to soups and chicken in various sauces. A full meal here will cost approximately 60,000 – 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person.

After passing through security, in the departure area (airside), the choice of establishments is smaller but sufficient for a light snack. Here you can find the popular Indonesian coffee bakery Roti'O, famous for its aromatic coffee buns baked right on the spot. This is an excellent option for a quick breakfast or coffee break before boarding. Coffee and fresh pastries will cost approximately 25,000 – 40,000 Rupiah.

While at the airport in Jambi, do not miss the chance to try something from the local cuisine. Although finding specific regional dishes like Gulai Ikan Patin (catfish in spicy curry sauce) might be difficult, most cafés will offer you classic hits of Indonesian cuisine. Most establishments operate according to flight schedules—from early morning until the last plane departs.

Regarding dietary requirements, it is important to know that virtually all food in Indonesia is Halal, and the airport is no exception. Vegetarians should look for dishes based on rice (nasi), vegetables (sayur), tofu (tahu), and tempeh (tempe). Finding certified gluten-free dishes may be challenging, so it is recommended to check ingredients with the staff. Both cash Rupiah and bank cards are accepted for payment, though it is always useful to have some cash on hand just in case.

To ensure your journey through the airport in Jambi goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. Sultan Thaha Airport (DJB) is a modern and relatively small terminal, so navigating it will not be difficult.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Indonesia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, allow at least 3 hours. To avoid queues, use online check-in on your airline's website. The security screening procedure is standard; be prepared to remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on luggage.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Want to enjoy views of Sumatra island? Choose a window seat. If you value comfort and the ability to stand up easily, your choice is an aisle seat. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited.

Passengers with Transfers: If you are flying via Jambi with a transfer, check in advance if you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Usually, when flying with the same airline, luggage is transferred automatically. Follow the "Transfer" signs to quickly find the necessary boarding gate.

Customs Control: When entering the country from abroad, you will have to pass through customs control. Familiarise yourself in advance with duty-free import allowances (especially for tobacco products). Please note that drug trafficking in Indonesia carries extremely severe penalties.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book an airport transfer online or use official taxi services at the counter in the arrival hall. Food prices at the airport can be higher, so bring an empty water bottle with you—it can be filled with drinking water after passing security.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, do not panic. Contact your airline representative at the check-in counter or boarding gate. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts in case you have to incur unforeseen expenses.