Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a grand gateway to the Riau province, a region rich in cultural traditions. From the very first moment, the terminal immerses travellers in the atmosphere of Indonesia thanks to its unique architecture, which combines modern glass facades with traditional Malay roofs in the "Selembayung" style. This spacious and bright airport serves as a starting point for exploring Sumatra, offering guests a comfortable start to their journey surrounded by tropical greenery and local charm.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The airport takes pride in its modern terminal, opened in 2012, which is capable of serving up to 8 million passengers annually. The building was designed with environmental standards and regional aesthetics in mind: the interiors are decorated with motifs of local flora, including ornaments inspired by the "Serindit" flower.

For the convenience of travellers, comfortable waiting lounges are provided, including VIP lounges, shops with local souvenirs, and various cafes where you can taste traditional Padang cuisine before your flight. A significant advantage is its proximity to the city: the trip to the centre of Pekanbaru usually takes no more than 20 minutes, making logistics as simple as possible.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU). We recommend checking the official resources for up-to-date data before your flight.

• Official Website: On the website of the airport operator, Angkasa Pura II, you will find the latest information on flights, services, and regulations. pekanbaru.ap2.co.id
• Help Desk Phone: For information about flights and airport services, you can call the local number: +62 761 674695. The operator's unified contact centre is also available at 138.
• Airport Address: Jl. Marsma r. Nuryadin, Maharatu, Kec. Marpoyan Damai, Kota Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the operator's contact centre email: contact.center@angkasapura2.co.id.
• Social Media: You can follow news from all airports managed by Angkasa Pura II via their official accounts, for example, on Instagram (angkasapura2).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's Lost and Found service, the counters for which are located in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the general information service using the phone numbers listed above.

Getting to Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) from the city centre of Pekanbaru is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. Travellers have access to several transport options, varying in cost, speed, and level of comfort.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the Trans Metro Pekanbaru city buses. This is a modern bus system with air-conditioned cabins, the routes of which cover key areas of the city and make a stop at the airport. A bus trip is an excellent choice for economical tourists with a small amount of luggage, however, it is worth studying the route map in advance and noting that travel time may increase due to stops.

Taxi and Transfer. The most convenient and fastest option is a taxi. You can use the services of official taxi counters at the airport or book a car through mobile apps popular in Indonesia, such as Grab. The trip from the city centre usually takes from 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an ideal choice for those travelling with family, a large number of suitcases, or who simply value comfort and predictability.

Car Rental. If you plan to move actively around the region, renting a car may be the optimal solution. Representatives of several local and international rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. A rented car gives complete freedom of movement, but be prepared for the specifics of local traffic. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Parking spaces are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, making access to it as comfortable as possible. The cost of parking depends on the duration of the stay.

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) in Pekanbaru is a modern and compact aviation hub that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveller. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Such a structure significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to transfer between different buildings.

The terminal building has a thoughtful and intuitive layout. Generally, the departure zone is located on the upper level, and the arrival zone is on the lower level. The departure zone houses airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, passport control, and security screening. After completing formalities, passengers enter the secure area with waiting lounges, duty-free shops, cafes, and prayer rooms (musala).

The arrival zone includes halls for passport control (for international flights), baggage claim belts, and customs inspection. At the exit from this zone, passengers are met by hotel representatives, taxi counters, and car rental services. Thanks to all operations being concentrated in one building, moving between different sections of the airport causes no difficulties.

The time required to complete all procedures may vary. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. The airport is not overly congested, so queues at check-in and security usually move quite quickly. Signs are in Indonesian and English, which helps to easily orient oneself inside the terminal.

The history of Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru is closely intertwined with the history of Indonesia itself. Its roots go back to the 1940s, when a military airfield known as Simpang Tiga was built on this site during World War II. After the country gained independence, the facility came under the control of the Indonesian Air Force and for many years became an important military base, where squadrons of the Indonesian Air Force are stationed to this day.

Gradually, with the growth of Pekanbaru city as the economic centre of Sumatra island, the airport began to serve civil flights as well. An important stage in its history was the naming after Sultan Syarif Kasim II — the last Sultan of Siak and a national hero of Indonesia, which emphasised its regional significance. With the increase in passenger flow, the old terminal ceased to cope with the load, which led to the need for radical modernisation.

A key moment in the modern history of the airport was the large-scale reconstruction and construction of a new terminal, which was grandly opened in 2012. The new complex was designed taking into account modern requirements for passenger comfort and safety, and its architecture harmoniously combines modern and traditional Malay motifs. This allowed for a significant increase in capacity and brought the quality of service to an international level.

Today, Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport is a modern transport hub that not only connects the Riau province with other regions of Indonesia and neighbouring countries but also preserves the memory of its military past and the heritage of the national hero after whom it is named. Interesting fact: part of the airport territory is still used as the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, making it a unique dual-purpose facility.

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU), located in the city of Pekanbaru, offers travellers a full range of services making the wait for a flight comfortable and pleasant. The terminal infrastructure is well thought out to meet the needs of both tourists and business passengers.

While waiting for departure, you can visit various cafes and restaurants serving local Indonesian cuisine and familiar international snacks. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs to remember your trip, travel essentials, and also visit the Duty Free area to buy perfumes, confectionery, and other goods at competitive prices.

For passengers preferring privacy and enhanced comfort, VIP halls and business lounges are available. Access to them may be paid or provided as part of airline loyalty programmes. Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available, as well as numerous sockets and USB ports for charging electronic devices, allowing you to always stay connected.

The airport operates ATMs and currency exchange points, which is convenient for those who need local cash immediately upon arrival. In case of unforeseen health situations, there is a medical point in the terminal where first aid will be provided.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with children — mother and child rooms are at their disposal. Conditions have also been created for the comfortable movement of passengers with disabilities: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, an escort service can be requested.

If you require a place to rest between flights, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, business centre services or conference room rentals for meetings may be available.

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) in Pekanbaru offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where one can have a snack or a full meal before departure. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal building, both in the public area (landside) and in the departure zone after passing security control (airside), which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

For those who wish to explore local cuisine, the airport will be an excellent starting point. Here you can find cafes offering authentic Indonesian dishes. We recommend trying Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or the hearty Soto soup. Special attention should be paid to local coffee from the island of Sumatra — its rich aroma and taste will help energise you before your flight. Look for establishments in the Kopi Tiam style (traditional coffee shops), where you can not only drink coffee but also eat light snacks.

In addition to local flavours, the airport also features familiar international fast-food chains, as well as coffee shops offering a standard set of drinks and desserts. This is a good option for those who prefer familiar food or are travelling with children. For a full lunch or dinner, you can visit one of the restaurants with a la carte service, where the choice of dishes is wider.

Practical Information for Travellers:

• Location: The main part of the establishments, including the food court, is located in the public zone before check-in and security control. In the departure zone, the choice is smaller, mostly consisting of coffee shops and snack kiosks.
• Dietary Options: Since Indonesia is a Muslim country, finding food with Halal status is effortless. Vegetarians should pay attention to rice and vegetable dishes, however, specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are generally not available.
• Prices: The cost of food at the airport is higher than in the city of Pekanbaru, but overall remains affordable. A quick snack will be inexpensive, whereas lunch in a restaurant will cost more.
• Opening Hours: Most establishments open early in the morning and work until the departure of the last flight, so you will not go hungry even with a late departure.

If you are short on time, the best choice would be fresh pastries from a bakery or coffee to go. If you have a couple of hours before departure, you can leisurely enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch in one of the restaurants in the public area of the airport.

Travelling through Sultan Syarif Kasim II airport in the city of Pekanbaru will be easier and more pleasant if you prepare in advance. Here are some useful tips that will help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. To pass all formalities calmly, arrive at the airport well in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to be on site 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Indonesia — 1.5–2 hours. This time will be enough for check-in, baggage drop, and passing all screenings without haste.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. At the airport, you will have to undergo standard procedures: ticket and document checks, baggage drop, and security screening. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as remove outerwear and belts.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A seat by the window (window seat) will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while a seat by the aisle (aisle seat) will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand Luggage. Carefully study your airline's hand luggage rules. Standard international requirements: liquids in containers no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag; absence of sharp objects. Pay special attention to the rules for carrying power banks and lithium batteries.

Passengers with Transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in Pekanbaru. Find out the terminal and boarding gate number for your next flight to correctly calculate the time for moving around the airport.

Customs Control. Upon arrival in Indonesia, you will need to pass customs. If you have no goods to declare, use the "Green Channel". If you are unsure or are carrying something that needs to be declared, head to the "Red Channel". Remember that the country has strict restrictions on the import of certain categories of goods.

Saving Time and Money. Booking a taxi or transfer from the airport online is often more profitable than looking for a car on the spot. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone are usually higher, so you can have a snack before arriving at the airport or take permitted snacks with you.

In Case of Flight Delay. The main thing is to remain calm. Monitor information on the departure boards and listen to announcements. If the flight is significantly delayed, contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be offered drinks, meals, or even a hotel.