Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is not just an air gateway, but the starting point for a journey through exotic South Sumatra. Named after the last Sultan of Palembang and an Indonesian national hero, this modern airport welcomes guests with an atmosphere of hospitality and serves as an important transport hub for the entire region. Located just 10 kilometres from the heart of the city of Palembang, it provides quick and convenient access to its main attractions. The airport is a key hub for airlines such as Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air.

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport offers travellers comfortable conditions and modern infrastructure. The single terminal, opened in 2005, is capable of serving over a thousand passengers simultaneously. The runway, which is 3000 metres long, allows for the accommodation of large wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747. One of the airport's main features is the presence of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system that directly connects it to the city centre, making the journey fast and convenient. Additionally, traditional shuttle buses and taxis are available for passengers.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (PLM). We recommend verifying the accuracy of details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: Information about the airport can be found on the website of the management company Angkasa Pura II (angkasapura2.co.id) or on the airport's own portal, which can usually be found by searching for "Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport official website".
• Information Desk Phone: For the most accurate information, including flight schedules and services, it is recommended to call the number listed on the airport's official website.
• Address: Jalan Bandara Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, Sukarami, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia.
• Email: The official email for inquiries is usually published in the contact section of the airport website. Often this is an address like info@... or contact@...
• Social Media: The airport and its management company maintain pages on popular social networks. Look for official accounts under the name "Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport" or "Angkasa Pura II" for news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Regarding items left in the terminal, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you can approach the information desks located in the terminal or call the main airport information service.

Getting to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport from the city centre of Palembang is possible in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most convenient option. Perhaps the most modern and reliable method is the Light Rail Transit (LRT). A dedicated line connects the airport with the city centre and other key districts. A trip on the LRT is not only economical but also allows you to avoid the famous traffic jams of Indonesia, taking about 45-60 minutes. The station is located right at the terminal, making this option especially convenient for tourists with luggage.

A more budget-friendly alternative is the Damri shuttle bus. These buses operate on several routes, connecting the airport with various parts of Palembang. Although a bus trip may take longer due to traffic conditions, it is an excellent choice for economical travellers. It is better to check schedules and routes in advance, as they may change.

For those who value comfort and are travelling with a large amount of luggage or in a group, the optimal solution would be a taxi or online services (such as Grab or Gojek). Official taxi counters are located in the arrival area. A trip to the city centre will take from 30 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and will cost significantly more than public transport. It is recommended to use the services of official carriers or trusted apps to avoid inflated prices.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can use car rental services. Many companies have representatives both at the airport and in the city. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, spacious parking is provided where you can leave the car for a short or long term. The road from the centre is usually well-marked, but it is worth allowing extra time for possible congestion.

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (PLM) features a modern and unified passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures take place in one well-organised complex. Such a structure makes the airport in the city of Palembang convenient and easy to understand for travellers arriving in this region of Indonesia for the first time.

The layout of the terminal is logical and intuitive. Departure areas and check-in counters are located on the upper floor, while the arrival area is on the lower floor. Although there is only one terminal, it is clearly divided into two sections: for domestic and international flights. After check-in, international passengers pass through passport control and security screening in a designated section, while domestic passengers head to their boarding gates via a different corridor.

Completing all formalities at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport usually does not take much time, as it is not overloaded with passenger traffic, unlike giant capital hubs. Nevertheless, a standard time buffer is recommended: arrive 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient for a calm check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Navigating the airport building is very easy. There are clear signs in Indonesian and English everywhere to help find check-in counters, boarding gates, the baggage claim area, or the taxi rank. The terminal map is simple: all key zones are within direct line of sight or a few minutes' walk. Simply follow the signs and check the information on the departure boards, and you will easily find the sector you need.

The history of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is a reflection of the history of Palembang itself and its growing importance in Indonesia. The airport has come a long way from a modest airfield to a modern international transport hub, playing a key role in the development of the South Sumatra region.

The roots of the airport go back to the Second World War. The original airfield, known as Talang Betutu, was built by the Japanese military in the 1940s and was used for strategic purposes. After the war ended, it was handed over to civil authorities and began serving commercial flights, gradually becoming the city's main transport hub.

A significant event in the airport's history was its renaming on 1 April 1985. It received the name of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II — the last Sultan of the Palembang Sultanate and an Indonesian national hero, which highlighted its regional and cultural significance.

The airport underwent its most massive transformations in the 21st century. In anticipation of the National Sports Week (PON XVI) in 2005, a complete reconstruction was carried out: a new, spacious terminal was built, and the runway was extended to 3000 metres. This allowed the airport to be granted international status. The next stage of modernisation was timed for the 2018 Asian Games, which Palembang co-hosted with Jakarta. As part of the preparations, the terminal was expanded again, and the main innovation was the launch of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, which directly connected the airport to the city centre — a unique solution for Indonesian airports outside the capital.

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. If you are hungry, there are several cafes and restaurants at your service where you can try both local dishes, including the famous pempek, and more familiar international snacks. The terminal also features shops, including Duty Free, souvenir stalls with products from local artisans, and outlets selling essential goods.

Staying connected at the airport is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting halls. For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a calmer setting, business lounges and VIP lounges are open. They offer a higher level of comfort, complimentary drinks and snacks, as well as a quiet atmosphere ideal for work or relaxation.

The airport in Palembang provides all major financial conveniences. You will find ATMs from several local banks and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of illness, a medical post operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid. For passengers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a peaceful environment.

The airport strives to be convenient for all categories of travellers. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, specially equipped toilets, and the option to request an escort service are provided. For business travellers, workspaces are available in the business lounges, and conference rooms can be used for meetings. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, there are many hotels of various levels nearby, which can be quickly reached by taxi or transfer.

At Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport, travellers will find diverse dining options allowing for both a quick snack before departure and a leisurely enjoyment of local cuisine. Most establishments are concentrated in the public area before security control (landside), but there are also several cafes in the departure area (airside).

Once in Palembang, be sure to try its gastronomic symbol — pempek, fish cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce. There are several cafes in the airport where you can order this authentic dish. Additionally, you will find establishments offering Indonesian classics such as nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles). For a more familiar snack, international and local chain coffee shops operate, serving sandwiches, pastries, and quality coffee.

Most establishments offer halal dishes, which is the standard for the region. Vegetarian options may be more limited, but the menus of many cafes include rice dishes with vegetables. For a quick bite, small kiosks and shops where you can buy snacks, drinks, and packaged sandwiches are suitable. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the cafes in the public zone, where the choice of dishes and seating is significantly larger.

Prices vary from budget-friendly in fast-food outlets to mid-range in full-service restaurants. The majority of cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last evening aircraft. If you are short on time, we recommend grabbing a coffee and pastry at one of the cafes in the departure zone, but if you have arrived early — enjoy a fragrant Indonesian soup or pempek in the airport's public area.

To ensure your journey through Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Planning in advance will help avoid stress and save time. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international ones, especially during peak seasons. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only. When passing through security control, have your passport and boarding pass ready. Be prepared to remove your laptop and other large electronics from your bag, as well as present your bag of liquids.

Hand luggage rules at the airport are standard. Liquids can be carried in containers not exceeding 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons are prohibited. Please note that power banks are usually permitted only in hand luggage. Always keep valuables, documents, and medication with you.

If you have a layover at this airport, locate the gate number for your next flight on the information board immediately after arrival. Check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Those arriving from abroad into Indonesia must pass through customs control. Fill out the customs declaration honestly and be prepared to present goods subject to declaration.

To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so you might want to bring light snacks with you. For the trip to the city of Palembang, consider using the Light Rail Transit (LRT) — it is a fast and inexpensive way to get to the centre.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. The airport has cafes, shops, and Wi-Fi access to brighten up the wait.