Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport

Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of East Java, surrounded by majestic volcanic landscapes. Located in a picturesque valley, it often welcomes travellers with breathtaking views of Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo even before landing. This compact and cosy airport serves as the perfect starting point for those keen to explore the colonial charm of Malang or embark on adventures in the region's national parks. Thanks to its location and intimate atmosphere, arriving here sets a calm and inspiring tone for the entire journey.

Features and Highlights of the Airport

The main highlight of the airport is its unique geographical position: it is literally "nestled" between mountain ranges, making take-offs and landings here incredibly spectacular, though requiring skill from the pilots. Passengers appreciate this aviation hub for the lack of hustle and bustle typical of large international hubs. The terminal, renovated in 2011, although small, offers all the necessary basic amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Other advantages include:

• Proximity to Tourist Zones: The airport is just an hour's drive from the popular resort city of Batu and serves as a convenient starting point for tours to Mount Bromo.
• Fast Service: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, checking in and collecting luggage takes minimal time.
• Transport Accessibility: You can reach the city centre by official taxi or transfer; the journey usually takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.

It is important to note that due to the terrain and weather conditions, the airport operates primarily during daylight hours, and flights may occasionally be delayed due to volcanic activity in the region, which is part of the local character.

For your convenience, we have gathered key contact information for Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport, which serves the city of Malang. We recommend verifying details (such as service operating hours) before your trip, as they may change.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website. Up-to-date information is most often published on official social media pages.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport for information about flights and services at +62 341 795889. Please consider the international dialing code when calling from outside Indonesia.
• Airport Address: Jl. Komodor Udara Abdul Rahman Saleh, Kecamatan Pakis, Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone or social media for communication.
• Social Media: The latest news and visual updates from the airport can be found on their official Instagram page: @abdulasalehairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly, located within the airport building.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and enquiries not related to luggage, please use the main airport information desk phone number.

Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG) is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Malang. You can reach it in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. On average, the trip from the city centre takes between 30 to 60 minutes, but it is always wise to allow extra time due to possible heavy traffic, which is characteristic of cities in Indonesia.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing Apps. This is the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. You can use official taxi services or book a car via mobile apps such as Grab or Gojek, which are widely used in the region. The trip will cost approximately 100,000 – 150,000 Indonesian Rupiahs. For added convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is local minibuses, known as "angkot". There is usually no direct route to the terminal itself, so you may need to transfer. This method is suitable for experienced travellers with light luggage who are ready for a small adventure. The cost of the trip will be minimal, but it will take significantly more time and may be inconvenient with suitcases. There is no direct train or metro connection to the airport in Malang.

Car Rental and Parking. If you prefer independence in your movements, you can rent a car. In Indonesia, renting a car with a driver is popular, which eliminates the need to navigate local traffic. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available on the airport grounds, where you can leave your transport for both short and long periods.

Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG) is a compact and convenient aviation hub serving the city of Malang and its surroundings. Its key feature is the presence of just one passenger terminal, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers. The terminal is used for both domestic departures and arrivals, so you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings. It is worth noting that the airport has a dual purpose — it is simultaneously a civil and military facility, which can sometimes influence its operations.

The layout of the airport is extremely simple and intuitive. The main building is divided into several functional zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and from there — to the general departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the building and includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the taxi stand and other transport.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport usually takes significantly less time than at large international hubs. Thanks to the small passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are generally short. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure to go through all procedures without rushing, especially if you are travelling during peak hours or holidays.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are in Indonesian and English. Since all key zones — from check-in to the boarding gate — are located in one building and in a logical sequence, getting lost here is practically impossible. This makes MLG Airport particularly convenient for those who dislike the bustle of large terminals and value simplicity and speed of service.

The history of Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport is closely intertwined with the history of aviation in Indonesia. The airfield was built by the Dutch colonial government around 1941 and was originally called Bugis Airfield. After the country gained independence, it came under the control of the Indonesian Air Force and received its current name in honour of Abdul Rachman Saleh — a national hero, doctor, and one of the pioneers of Indonesian aviation, who tragically died in 1947.

For many decades, the airport functioned exclusively as a military airbase. However, with the growth of the economic and tourism significance of the city of Malang and the entire East Java region, an acute need for civil aviation connections arose. In the early 2000s, the airport was officially opened for commercial flights, which became a turning point in its history. This marked the beginning of its development as an important dual-use transport hub.

A key stage of modernization was the construction of a new civil terminal, which was opened in 2011. This allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved the quality of passenger service. Simultaneously, the runway was reconstructed and extended, making it possible to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. These improvements played a decisive role in the development of tourism and the economy of the region.

One of the most interesting facts about Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport is its status as a so-called "civil enclave". The passenger terminal and apron are located within an active military base, so travellers can often observe military aircraft flights, such as the C-130 Hercules transport planes. Today, the airport serves as a modern and convenient aerial gateway to the picturesque region of Malang, continuing its unique history of serving both military and civil aviation.

Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG) in Malang provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal offers amenities for both business travellers and tourists with families.

Dining and Shopping. The airport has several cafés and small restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, tasting local Indonesian cuisine or simply having a coffee. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, snacks, and travel essentials.

Lounges and Connectivity. In addition to the general waiting hall, the airport has VIP lounges offering a higher level of comfort, including complimentary drinks and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are located in the waiting areas. For business travellers, basic services such as workspaces may be available in the VIP lounges.

Financial and Other Services. ATMs from local banks are installed in the terminal. Currency exchange points may be unavailable or have limited operating hours, as the airport focuses mainly on domestic flights. For emergencies, there is a medical post at the airport.

Facilities for Special Categories of Passengers. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is provided. Travellers with disabilities can count on staff assistance and the availability of ramps and specially equipped toilets. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if assistance is required.

Accommodation. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options — from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels — can easily be found in the city of Malang itself, which is a few minutes' drive from the airport.

At Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG), passengers can find several dining options to spend time comfortably before departure or refresh upon arrival. The establishments cater to different tastes and budgets, offering both quick snacks and full meals.

Most cafés and small restaurants are located in the public area of the airport (landside), before passing through pre-flight security. Here you can have a leisurely lunch or drink coffee. In the sterile area (airside), after security control, the selection is usually more modest but includes points where you can buy drinks and light snacks for the journey.

This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the authentic cuisine of Indonesia. Look out for popular dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), or the aromatic soup Soto Ayam. Since the airport is close to the city of Malang, known for its culinary traditions, you can experience the local flavour even while waiting for your flight.

For travellers with specific dietary preferences, finding suitable options is not difficult. Most dishes in Indonesia are Halal. Vegetarians should try Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) or dishes with tofu and tempeh. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain moderate. Expect a full meal to cost an average amount by airport standards.

If you are short on time, local coffee shops with fresh pastries are ideal for a quick snack. For a full lunch, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the public zone serving set meals of Indonesian cuisine. The opening hours of most dining points are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open from early morning until late evening, serving passengers of morning and evening flights.

To ensure your journey through Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. 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 (which is rare for this airport), allow at least 3 hours. This time is sufficient to calmly pass through check-in and security, even during busy periods.

Simplify the check-in process as much as possible by completing it online on your airline's website. This will save time at the airport. Have your passport and boarding pass ready when going through security control. Be prepared for standard screening procedures, which may take some time.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Malang, consider your priorities. Window seats often offer breathtaking views of Java's volcanic landscapes, which is particularly impressive during take-off and landing. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and allow you to leave the aircraft faster upon arrival.

Pay close attention to the rules regarding carry-on luggage. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited. All valuables, documents, gadgets, and portable chargers (power banks) must be carried exclusively in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

Passengers with connections should check with the airline in advance whether their luggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination. To avoid haste and stress, allow at least 2-3 hours for the connection, especially if the flights are operated by different airlines.

Customs control at Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport is relevant mainly for passengers arriving on international flights. If you are arriving from another country, be prepared to declare goods exceeding duty-free limits. There is no customs control on domestic flights.

To save time and money, book tickets and airport transfers online in advance. Pack your luggage compactly to avoid surcharges for excess weight. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security control, it can be filled for free at drinking fountains.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for up-to-date information and instructions. Find out about your rights regarding the provision of food, drinks, or hotel accommodation. Use the waiting time to rest, work, or explore the shops and cafés in the terminal.