El Tari Airport

To obtain the most up-to-date information regarding flights, services, and regulations at El Tari Airport (KOE), it is recommended to use official communication channels. Below are the main contact details.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by Angkasa Pura I. Current information is available on their official portal in the section dedicated to Kupang Airport: www.ap1.co.id.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at +62 380 883999. The unified call centre for the operator Angkasa Pura I is also available at 172.
• Airport Address: Jl. Adisucipto, Penfui, Kecamatan Maulafa, Kota Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia.
• Email: For official enquiries, you may use the corporate address of the operator humas@ap1.co.id or the feedback form on the website.
• Social Media: News and updates are frequently published on the official pages of the management company Angkasa Pura I (user @ap_airports on most popular social networks).
• Lost Luggage Information: In the event of lost luggage during a flight, you should first contact your airline's Lost and Found counter. For items left behind within the terminal building, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you may use the airport information desk phone or the unified contact centre at 172.

Getting to El Tari Airport (KOE) from the city centre of Kupang is quite simple, and travellers have several options to choose from. The airport is located just 8 kilometres east of the central part of the city, so the journey typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps. The most convenient and popular method is by taxi. You can use official airport taxi services or book a car via apps popular in Indonesia, such as Grab or Gojek. This is a fast and relatively inexpensive option. The fare is usually calculated by a meter or is fixed. It is recommended to confirm the price with the driver before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport. For a more budget-friendly journey, you can use public transport. In Kupang, this primarily involves buses from the Damri company, which operate on specific routes connecting the airport with key points in the city. This is a comfortable and economical method. Additionally, `bemo` minibuses operate around the city, but their routes can be confusing for tourists, and they rarely enter the terminal grounds directly, dropping passengers off on the main road.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel extensively around Timor Island, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Several rental agencies operate at the airport and in the city. El Tari Airport has parking facilities where you can leave a vehicle for short or long periods. This is convenient if you have arrived in your own or a rented vehicle to pick up or drop off passengers.

El Tari Airport (KOE) is a modern and compact terminal complex. All passenger infrastructure is concentrated in one main terminal, which handles both domestic and rare international flights. Thanks to this, its structure is very simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is logical and straightforward. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter the secure area — the departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival area is located in another part of the building and includes baggage claim belts and an exit to taxi stands and public transport.

Since all services are under one roof, moving between zones takes minimal time, and there is no need to use shuttles or traverse long corridors as in major airports. Completing all formalities generally does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. This is more than enough time for a relaxed check-in and security screening.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. The compact size of El Tari Airport is its main advantage. It is practically impossible to get lost here, and staff are always ready to help and give directions. Inside the terminal, there are basic amenities: small cafes, shops with souvenirs and travel essentials, as well as comfortable waiting areas.

The history of El Tari Airport in the city of Kupang is closely intertwined with key events in the history of Indonesia and the entire region. Its story begins during World War II, when in 1942 Japanese forces built a military airfield on this site called Penfui. The airfield played a significant strategic role and served as a base for military aviation controlling maritime routes in the area.

After the end of the war and Indonesia gaining independence, the airfield came under the control of Indonesian authorities and began to gradually transform into a civil aviation facility. The airport received its modern name, El Tari, in honour of Elias Hendrik Tari, who was the governor of the East Nusa Tenggara province from 1966 to 1978. This renaming immortalised the memory of an outstanding leader who made a great contribution to the development of the region.

Over the years, El Tari Airport has been modernised multiple times to meet growing passenger traffic and modern safety requirements. A significant stage in its development was the construction and opening of a new, more spacious and modern terminal in the 2010s. This reconstruction significantly increased capacity and improved the quality of passenger service, making the airport more comfortable for travellers.

One interesting fact is that El Tari Airport still retains its dual status. The Indonesian Air Force base "Lanud El Tari" is located on its grounds, making it an important facility for both civil and military aviation. Today, it is not just a transport hub, but a key centre connecting the provincial capital with numerous islands and other cities in the country, playing a vital role in the region's economy and tourism.

El Tari Airport (KOE) offers passengers a range of essential services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary for travellers arriving in Kupang or departing from it.

Within the airport grounds, you can find several cafes and small eateries serving both Indonesian and European cuisine, as well as aromatic local coffee. This is a great opportunity to have a snack before your flight. Additionally, there are souvenir stalls and shops where you can purchase travel essentials, newspapers, and gifts for loved ones. For a more comfortable rest, some airlines or banking programmes may offer access to premium lounges.

To ensure passengers stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the waiting halls. To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed, and there is a currency exchange point, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of need, basic medical assistance can be sought at the airport clinic.

The airport caters to all categories of passengers. For families with small children, a mother and child room is equipped. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on specialised assistance from staff, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and adapted restrooms, is suited to their needs. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, many accommodation options can be found in close proximity in the city of Kupang. For business travellers, basic business services may be available in the VIP lounges.

El Tari Airport (KOE) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal to help pass the time while waiting for a flight. While the selection here is not as vast as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry. Most establishments are concentrated in the public area of the main terminal, before security control (landside), so it is better to eat before checking in for your flight.

For travellers wishing to experience local cuisine, the airport in Kupang is an excellent opportunity to try authentic Indonesian dishes. Look out for small cafes serving hits such as `nasi goreng` (fried rice), `mie goreng` (fried noodles), or `sate ayam` (chicken skewers with peanut sauce). This is a hearty and delicious way to discover the region's gastronomy. Also, do not miss the chance to drink a cup of aromatic local coffee.

If you have specific dietary preferences, be prepared that choices may be limited. Specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are unlikely to be found here. However, basic vegetarian dishes, such as rice with vegetables (`sayur`) or `gado-gado` salad, are quite possible to find. Since Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, most dishes are `Halal` by default, but it is best to verify on-site for certainty.

The price range in El Tari Airport establishments is quite moderate. Prices are, of course, slightly higher than in the city, but remain quite affordable. Regarding opening hours, most cafes and eateries open early in the morning to serve passengers on the first flights and operate until the last departure. If you need a quick snack, grab a coffee and fresh pastry. For a full lunch, an establishment offering set meals, such as `nasi campur` — rice with a choice of several side dishes, meat, or fish — would be best.

To ensure your journey through El Tari Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. The airport in Kupang is not very large, but proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights within Indonesia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow 2-3 hours. This time is sufficient to complete check-in, baggage drop, and security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control: Many airlines offer online check-in, which saves time. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, you can proceed directly to security. During security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your bag, and keep all liquids in containers under 100 ml in a separate transparent bag.

Seat Selection: Want to enjoy views of the picturesque 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: Standard rules prohibit carrying sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage. Ensure that power banks and other batteries are in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage. It is always useful to check your airline's specific rules, as there may be slight differences.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify during check-in whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination. El Tari Airport is a regional hub, and sometimes it may be necessary to collect luggage and check in for the next flight again. Take this into account and leave a sufficient time buffer between flights.

Customs Control: Upon arrival from abroad, you will have to pass through customs control. Familiarise yourself in advance with Indonesia's customs regulations to know which goods must be declared. Usually, this concerns large amounts of cash, alcohol, and tobacco products exceeding established limits.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book a transfer from the airport in advance or use official taxi apps. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so you might want to eat before your trip. To avoid wasting time, keep all documents handy: passport, tickets, and visa (if required).

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, stay calm. Contact your airline's counter for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (water, meals). There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can spend time waiting. Keep a phone charger, a book, or other entertainment in your hand luggage to make the wait more pleasant.