Kuala Namu International Airport

Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) is not just the air gateway to Medan and the island of Sumatra, but a true symbol of modern Indonesia. Opened in 2013, it replaced the old Polonia Airport and quickly became one of the largest and most advanced in the country. Kuala Namu was the first airport in Indonesia to receive the prestigious "4-Star" rating from Skytrax, highlighting its high level of service and passenger comfort. Its architecture and spacious, bright interiors reflect the local culture, creating a pleasant first impression of North Sumatra for travellers.

Kuala Namu Airport is renowned not only for its modern design but also for its sophisticated infrastructure. It is one of the first airports in the country equipped with a fully automated baggage handling system, which significantly speeds up the collection process. For passenger convenience, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, numerous gadget charging stations, shops, food courts featuring local and international cuisine, as well as currency exchange counters and ATMs.

One of the main advantages of Kuala Namu is its excellent transport accessibility. The fastest and most convenient way to reach the centre of Medan is the Airport Rail Link express train, which will take you to the city in just 30–45 minutes. Comfortable buses and taxis are also available. Thanks to its strategic location, the airport serves as an ideal starting point for trips to North Sumatra's main attractions, such as the picturesque Lake Toba or the Gunung Leuser National Park, where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO).

• Official website: kualanamu-airport.co.id
• Information desk phone: +62 61 8888 0300
• Address: Jl. Bandara Kuala Namu, Ps. Enam Kuala Namu, Kec. Beringin, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara 20553, Indonesia.
• Email: customercare@kualanamu-airport.co.id
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Instagram (@kualanamuairport) and X (formerly Twitter) (@kualanamu_ap2).
• Lost Baggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, the first step is to contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal, please contact the information desk or call the helpline.
• Passenger Support Service: for enquiries and assistance regarding your stay at the airport, please use the helpline phone number or send a request via email.

Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) is located approximately 39 kilometres from the centre of Medan, and several convenient transport options are available for tourists travelling between the city and the airport. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort requirements.

Airport Railink Service (ARS) Train is arguably the fastest and most reliable way to get to the airport. Modern air-conditioned trains depart from the main railway station in Medan and arrive directly at the terminal. The journey takes only 30–45 minutes, allowing you to avoid unpredictable city traffic jams. Although the ticket price is higher than the bus, the speed and comfort make the train an excellent choice for those who value their time.

For travellers on a limited budget, the best solution would be scheduled buses, for example, from companies like DAMRI or ALS. They operate on various routes, connecting the airport with several points in the city and neighbouring settlements. A bus ride is significantly cheaper but also takes longer—it can take from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. This is a good option if you are not in a rush.

Taxis and ride-hailing services, such as Grab and Gojek, offer "door-to-door" convenience. You can book a car at the official counter in the airport or via a mobile app, which allows you to know the cost in advance. The travel time to the city centre is approximately 60–90 minutes, but this can vary greatly due to traffic. This method ensures a high level of comfort, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage.

If you plan to explore the North Sumatra region in Indonesia on your own, you can rent a car. Rental company counters are located directly at the airport. Renting a car with a driver is also a popular service. For those arriving by private vehicle, the airport provides 24-hour parking with rates for short-term and long-term stays.

Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) is distinguished by a modern and thoughtful layout. The airport operates one main passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This structure significantly simplifies navigation for passengers, as there is no need to transfer between different buildings.

The terminal is a spacious three-level building. The airport layout is logical and intuitive. The Arrivals area is located on the ground floor. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, as well as taxi counters, car rentals, and the exit to the railway station where trains to Medan depart. On this same level, passengers are met by hotel representatives and private individuals.

The Departures area occupies the third floor. This level can be reached by car via a special ramp. Airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located here. After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where passport control and security screening zones are located, and then enter a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates, shops, and restaurants.

Because all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between zones for domestic and international flights are done on foot inside the terminal. Signs are in Indonesian and English, facilitating orientation. It is recommended to allow standard time for check-in and screening: about 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones, especially during peak hours. Overall, Kuala Namu Airport is considered one of the most efficient and convenient in Indonesia, so navigating it usually does not cause difficulties.

The history of Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) is a story of modern development and the ambitions of North Sumatra. Unlike many airports with a century of history, Kuala Namu is a project of the 21st century, having opened its doors to passengers on July 25, 2013. Its construction was a response to a long-overdue necessity: the old Polonia Airport, located practically in the centre of Medan, had exhausted its expansion possibilities and posed safety risks due to its proximity to residential areas.

The idea of building a new airport outside the city existed since the 1990s, but the project gained real momentum in the 2000s. Construction began in 2006 and became one of the largest infrastructure projects in Indonesia. The airport was designed from scratch as a modern transport hub capable of handling growing passenger traffic and accommodating the largest aircraft. One of the key innovations was the integration with the railway network—Kuala Namu became the first airport in Indonesia connected to the city by a high-speed rail line, ARS (Airport Rail Link Service), which significantly reduced travel time for passengers.

One of the most remarkable events in the airport's history was its launch itself. On the night of July 25, 2013, a massive and coordinated "move" took place: all operational activities were transferred from the old Polonia Airport to the new Kuala Namu. This transition was executed without interrupting air traffic, which was an outstanding logistical achievement. Since opening, the airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, as it was originally built with a large capacity reserve and to the most modern standards.

Interesting fact: the name "Kuala Namu" comes from the local language. The word "Kuala" means river mouth or estuary, and "Namu" or "Namo" translates as lowland or swampy area, reflecting the geographical features of the region where the airport was built. Today, Kuala Namu is one of the country's largest and busiest airports, playing a key role in the development of tourism and the economy of North Sumatra.

Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) offers passengers modern infrastructure and a full range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Here you will find numerous restaurants and cafes offering both local Indonesian cuisine and popular international snacks. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, clothing, and much more.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, the airport provides comfortable lounges, including paid VIP lounges. These offer passengers snacks, beverages, fresh newspapers, and a more secluded atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous stations for charging gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times. Bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are available for financial operations.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Play areas and mother-and-child rooms are equipped for passengers with children. If necessary, you can visit the 24-hour medical centre. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including special ramps, elevators, and staff accompaniment.

If you have a long layover, you can stay at the hotel located directly within the airport grounds, or choose one of the many accommodation options in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, business centre and conference room services are available, where you can hold a meeting or work in silence.

Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) offers travellers a variety of dining options, allowing for a quick snack before a flight or a leisurely full meal. Here you will find establishments for every taste and budget, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Sumatra and Indonesia.

For those wishing to enjoy local cuisine one last time, the airport provides an excellent opportunity. Look out for restaurants offering Padang cuisine (Nasi Padang), where you can choose from a variety of ready-made dishes, including the famous beef rendang. It is also worth trying the traditional Soto Medan soup or aromatic fried rice, Nasi Goreng. Most establishments offering national dishes are located in the public area (landside), before passport control, which is convenient for those seeing someone off or those with plenty of time before their flight.

If you prefer something more familiar, famous international coffee chains such as Starbucks and fast-food restaurants operate at the airport. They are ideal for a quick breakfast, a cup of coffee, or a light snack. These establishments can be found both in the public area and in the departure area (airside), after passing security control.

Most restaurants and cafes at Kuala Namu Airport are Halal. Vegetarians will easily find suitable dishes in restaurants serving Indonesian cuisine, where there is always a large selection of vegetable side dishes and dishes made from tofu and tempeh. Gluten-free and vegan options may be more challenging to find, but salads or fruit platters are often available in coffee shops. The price range varies from budget food courts to mid-range restaurants. The opening hours of most establishments are aligned with flight schedules, so you can refresh yourself even early in the morning or late at night.

Travelling through Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in the city of Medan will be more comfortable if you familiarise yourself with some specifics in advance. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will give you enough time in case of queues at check-in counters or security checkpoints.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to the security area. The security procedure here is standard, but be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane for flights from or to Indonesia, especially over the island of Sumatra, a window seat will offer you unforgettable views of volcanoes and jungles. If convenience and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, choose an aisle seat. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag. All power banks and batteries can only be carried in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Also, note that many airlines prohibit the carriage of durian due to its strong odour.

Passengers with connecting flights should clarify in advance whether their luggage has been checked through to the final destination. If so, upon arrival at Kuala Namu, you can immediately follow the "Transit" or "Transfer" signs to the required terminal, bypassing the baggage claim area and customs. The airport is quite modern and has clear navigation.

Customs control upon entering the country operates on the "Green" and "Red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green" channel. Remember that importing and exporting large amounts of cash must be declared. Crucially important: Indonesia has very strict drug laws carrying severe penalties, so do not even consider carrying prohibited substances.

To save money, use official taxi services or ride-hailing apps (such as Grab or Gojek), which have designated waiting zones at the airport. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city. If you want a snack, look for food courts with local cuisine—this is usually cheaper than international chain restaurants. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents if you have travel insurance to claim compensation. Kuala Namu Airport has plenty of cafes, shops, and comfortable waiting areas where you can pass the time.