Ketapang Airport

Ketapang Airport, officially named after the local hero Rahadi Oesman, is not merely a transport hub but a cosy gateway to the emerald heart of West Kalimantan. This air harbour lacks the bustle of giant international hubs, offering travellers a calm and almost home-like atmosphere immediately upon arrival. Located at a strategically important point, the airport serves as a key link opening access to the unique nature reserves and cultural heritage of this part of Borneo.

Airport Features and Benefits:

Despite its modest size, Ketapang Airport possesses a number of undeniable advantages that make travelling through it easy and pleasant:

• Exceptional Accessibility: The airport is located practically within the city limits. The journey to the central streets takes mere minutes, allowing you to save time and money on transfers.
• Intuitive Navigation: The compact single terminal is designed so simply that getting lost is impossible. All zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other.
• Service Speed: Thanks to moderate passenger traffic, passing through all pre-flight formalities here happens much faster than in the country's major airports. Queues for security checks and check-in are usually minimal.
• Strategic Importance: The airport is the starting point for visiting Gunung Palung National Park, one of the few places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild.

You can contact representatives of Ketapang Airport (KTG) in several ways. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some communication channels common to major international hubs may not be available.

• Official Website: Currently, Rahadi Oesman Airport does not have its own dedicated website. Up-to-date information on the airport's status is usually published on the resources of the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia.
• Information Desk Phone: The main contact number for information is: +62 534 32730. You can use this to clarify details regarding domestic flights and airport services.
• Airport Address: Jl. G.M. Taufik, Kecamatan Delta Pawan, Kabupaten Ketapang, West Kalimantan, 78811, Indonesia. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Ketapang.
• Email: There is no public email address for general inquiries. A telephone call remains the most reliable method of communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active official pages on popular social networks. It is best to contact airlines directly for flight information.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's Lost and Found counter in the arrival hall. The carrier is responsible for luggage.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance directly within the terminal building, please approach the information desk or any airport staff member.

Getting to Ketapang Airport (KTG) from the city centre of Ketapang is quite simple, as it is located very close by. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences. The journey from the centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes.

Taxis and Online Services. This is the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. You can use local taxi services or book a car via mobile apps such as Grab or Gojek, which are widely used in Indonesia. The trip will be quick and inexpensive. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or use the fixed-rate option in the app to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport and Motorcycle Taxis. For budget travellers, especially those travelling light, a motorcycle taxi (ojek) is the ideal choice. It is a very cheap and fast way to move around, allowing you to bypass traffic. Regarding traditional public transport, direct connections to the airport may be provided by local minibuses known as "angkot". However, this option may be inconvenient for tourists with large luggage, and routes are not always obvious.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to move around the region actively, it is worth considering renting a car or a scooter. There are several rental agencies in the city. This will give you complete freedom of action. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available at the terminal. Typically, there are options for both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable prices.

The Ketapang Airport (KTG), also known as Rahadi Oesman, is a small and compact air hub serving domestic flights across Indonesia. Its structure is extremely simple, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which is used to service both departing and arriving passengers.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, you do not need to worry about transfers between terminals. The airport layout is logical: after entering the building, you find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security, followed by a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival area is located in the same part of the building but with a separate exit to the city after luggage claim. Signs will help you orient yourself, although getting lost here is practically impossible due to the compact size of the terminal.

Passing through all formalities at Ketapang Airport usually takes minimum time. Thanks to the small passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are generally short. The entire process from entering the terminal to the boarding gate rarely takes more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all procedures without rushing and avoid unforeseen situations.

The history of Ketapang Airport (KTG), also known as Rahadi Oesman Airport, is closely tied to the development of the eponymous region on the island of Kalimantan. Its roots go back to the colonial era when it was built as a simple airfield. During World War II, the facility acquired strategic importance and was used by Japanese forces. After Indonesia gained independence, the airfield came under government management and was named in honour of Rahadi Oesman, a local freedom fighter.

For decades, the airport served primarily military needs and connected the remote region with the rest of the country. Initially, it could only accommodate small propeller aircraft. A key stage in its development was the gradual transformation into a civil airport, which stimulated economic growth and facilitated the movement of people and cargo. This was particularly important for a region rich in natural resources such as bauxite and palm oil.

Significant modernisation of the airport took place in the 2010s. Large-scale works were carried out to expand and strengthen the runway, allowing for larger turbojet aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, to be accommodated. The culmination of this process was the opening of a new modern passenger terminal, which replaced the old one that could no longer cope with the growing flow of passengers. These improvements radically changed the transport accessibility of Ketapang.

Today, Rahadi Oesman Airport serves as an important air gateway, playing a key role in the economy and social life of the Ketapang Regency. It may not boast world-scale records, but its main achievement is ensuring stable and reliable connections with major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta and Pontianak. Every stage of its history, from a humble airstrip to a modern terminal, reflects the path of development and integration of this corner of Kalimantan into the life of the entire country.

Ketapang Airport (KTG) is a regional air terminal providing a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for your flight. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and eateries where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or purchase refreshments. There are also shops selling daily necessities, press, and local souvenirs.

General waiting halls are equipped for passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available in some zones of the airport, and there are charging stations for mobile devices. Specialised VIP halls or business lounges are generally absent; however, it is recommended to check information with your airline, as separate rest areas may be provided for business class passengers.

ATMs are installed on the airport premises where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points are usually not provided since the airport mainly serves domestic flights. A medical post operates in the terminal to provide first aid.

A mother and child room may be available for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary assistance when moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking. To receive this service, it is recommended to notify the airline of your needs in advance.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, but many accommodation options can be found in the city of Ketapang, which is a few minutes' drive away. Specialised conference rooms or business centres for holding meetings are absent at the airport.

Dining options at Ketapang Airport (KTG) are quite modest, which corresponds to its status as a small domestic airport. You will not find global brand chains here, but you can refresh yourself before departure in a cosy local atmosphere. All catering establishments are concentrated in the single terminal, predominantly in the public area before security control (landside). This means it is better to eat before checking in for your flight and dropping off luggage.

The basis of the menu in local cafes and eateries (known as *warung*) consists of popular Indonesian dishes. For a full meal, we recommend ordering a portion of Nasi Goreng (fried rice with vegetables and chicken or seafood) or Mie Goreng (fried noodles). These dishes are filling, tasty, and prepared quite quickly. If you are looking for a light snack, pay attention to local pastries, sandwiches, or simply order a cup of aromatic Indonesian coffee.

Specialised vegetarian or gluten-free menus are likely unavailable at the airport. However, most basic dishes, such as fried rice or noodles, can be prepared without meat upon request. Practically all food in the airport establishments is Halal, which is the standard for Indonesia. Prices here are quite affordable and oriented towards locals. Cafes and eateries operate according to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft departs.

Travelling through Ketapang Airport (KTG), serving the city of the same name in Indonesia, usually proceeds calmly, as it is a small regional air hub. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete flight check-in and security screening without rushing. Although queues here are usually shorter than in major airports, it is better to have a time buffer. Check if online check-in is available with your airline to save time.

Seat Selection: Given Ketapang's location on the island of Borneo, window seats can offer you unforgettable views of lush jungles or the coast during take-off and landing. If freedom of movement is more important to you, choose an aisle seat — this way you can easily stand up without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand Luggage: Standard security rules apply here. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always keep all valuables — documents, money, electronics, and medication — in your hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. In a small airport like Ketapang, finding the boarding gate for the next flight will not be difficult, but always check the information on the departure boards.

Customs Control: When entering Indonesia via an international flight, you will have to pass through customs control. Be prepared to declare goods if their value exceeds established limits. There are restrictions on the import of alcohol, tobacco products, and cash. If you are flying on a domestic flight, this procedure is not required.

Saving Time and Money:

• Book flight tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security.
• For trips to or from the city, consider local transport options, which may be cheaper than taxis.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep a power bank with you to charge gadgets and a book or downloaded films to pass the waiting time.